We can do: attr_accessor :bla Now, on an object one can do this: object.bla = 'foo' Or object.bla to retrieve the value. I am wondering whether we could do this: object.bla 'foo' This does not seem to work. My question is, why was = used, but so many people in their ruby code also allow the last version? It usually has this form: object.set_bla 'foo' So basically I guess my question is there an attr to the second, and if not why not? -- Posted via http://www.ruby-forum.com/.