Hi -- On Tue, 18 Jul 2006, Douglas McNaught wrote: >> Searching for an answer to this question, I've found scripts using gsub! >> What is this exclamation mark? > > It means it changes the object it operates on, rather than returning a > changed copy. In this case that's true, but in general, ! means a "dangerous" method with a non-dangerous counterpart. (See Logan's answer.) David -- http://www.rubypowerandlight.com => Ruby/Rails training & consultancy http://www.manning.com/black => RUBY FOR RAILS (reviewed on Slashdot, 7/12/2006!) http://dablog.rubypal.com => D[avid ]A[. ]B[lack's][ Web]log dblack / wobblini.net => me