CSC/ECE 517 Fall 2007/wiki1b 1 c4
Introduction
Problem
If multiple methods with the same name are defined, there needs to be some way of determining which method a call refers to. The general rule is given on p. 123 of Programming Ruby. But questions still remain.
Questions
- Is it possible to get unexpected behavior if one of the modules you are using is "enhanced" to contain a new method that happens to conflict with a name of an existing method?
- Is it possible to refer to these methods using a qualified name?
- Is it possible to use method aliasing to resolve the ambiguity?
- What approach does good o-o design dictate?
Method
What is it?
A section of code that does or performs a task and then returns a value. A synonym for a method is a function. Methods can also be included within classes and used as accessors, mutators and setters.[2] Methods are created with the keyword def and the name of the method and end with the keyword end. A method is called by simply typing the name of the method and enclosing any parameters to the method in "()"/. i.e. some_method(some_parameter).[1]
General Rule For Multiple Methods
References
- Programming Ruby: The Pragmatic Programmers' Guide
- http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Programming:Ruby_Method_Calls