* Hal E. Fulton <hal9000 / hypermetrics.com> [0638 00:38]:

> ----- Original Message ----- 
> > so when you point (ugh, and the Cism) r at "X" you're updating a
> > copy of the reference, not the original reference. Is that about right?
 
> Remember that assignment is *not* an operation on
> an object! It's an operation on a variable.

> Just think in terms of variables and objects. You can
> change a variable, and you can change an object. When
> you change an object, you are typically changing its
> contents.

I think you s/reference/variable/ on my ramblings, then that
large clanking noise is the penny dropping. Thanks a lot. 
 
>   string[0] = "J"
> *looks* like an assignment, it really isn't. I'm not
> kidding you here.

Yeah, that was the moment I relaised i wasn't in Kansas anymore :)

[ the following deserves any entry in the FAQ IMO ]

> As an aside, consider why Ruby does not have C's ++
> operator. 

<snip>

Thanks again, very useful.

-- 
Never underestimate the power of a small tactical nuclear weapon.
Rasputin :: Jack of All Trades - Master of Nuns