On 05/04/11 01:09, Christopher Dicely wrote: > In Java, protected means available to: > 3. methods (class [static] or instance) of classes defined in the same > package as this class, and objects of those classes Yes, this is where it differs from C++. > In C++, protected means available to: > members and friends Ok, but "friends don't let friends use friends" :) At least, they were basically banned in all the C++ I worked on. > In Ruby, an instance variable can be directly accessed from: > methods of the object in which it exists, regardless of on which class > or module those methods are defined. > > This is far more restrictive than protected access in Java and C++, I don't agree, I think it's less restrictive, but it doesn't matter much what we call it, as long as the semantics are clear, and you've made them clear for anyone following this. > I stand by the characterization that access to Ruby instance variables > is more like private access than protected access Well, you say tom-a-to, I say tom-ah-to, as long as we know what we mean.