Hi, In message "Re: [ruby-core:26508] Re: HashWithIndifferentAccess to core" on Wed, 4 Nov 2009 05:33:06 +0900, Jeremy Kemper <jeremy / bitsweat.net> = writes: |> With making huge hole for confusion? =A0Putting 1.8 compatibility aside, |> I believe all 1.9 code should use symbols for such cases, so the needs |> for HashWithIndifferentAccess (or whatever name) will become less. | |Ah, your preference is for Ruby 1.9 code to convert external key/value |data from String =3D> String to Symbol =3D> String? This does address the |core concern of addressing external k/v data with string keys using |meaningful symbols. But it's slower: all keys must be converted to |symbols up-front rather than lazily, when accessed. Don't take me too serious (although I know it's difficult, since I am the responsible). I have never felt I need HashWithIndifferentAccess in my programming life, so my opinion is biased. You've explained somewhat in [ruby-core:26507], but I still need more comprehension. In general, blurring type differences (string and symbols in this case), is a code smell. matz.