RFC 251 (v1) Interpolation of class method calls

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=head1 TITLE

Interpolation of class method calls

=head1 VERSION

  Maintainer: Michael G Schwern <[email protected]>
  Date: 17 Sep 2000
  Mailing List: [email protected]
  Number: 251
  Version: 1
  Status: Developing

=head1 ABSTRACT

Class method calls should interpolate in double-quoted strings, and similar
locations.

    print "There are Dogs->num_dogs() species of dogs.";

would interpolate as:

    print 'There are '.Dogs->num_dogs().' species of dogs.';


=head1 DESCRIPTION

With the exception of the argument about accessor methods, all the
same arguments for object methods apply to class methods.
Additionally, if scalars, arrays, hashes, subroutines and object
methods interpolate, users may expect class methods to do so.

Class methods require the trailing parenthesis for clarity, same as variable
object methods.  Otherwise, class methods interpolate same as object methods
as RFC 222.


=head1 IMPLEMENTATION

The tokenizer will have to watch for /\s[a-z_]\w*->/i.  A following
/[A-Z_]\w*\(\)/ indicates a class method call.

Otherwise as RFC 222.


=head1 CAVEATS

This RFC is intended to generate discussion about the need and wisdom of
allowing class method interpolation in strings.  Practical examples of code
where this is useful as well as where this would be a hinderance are
requested.  It is presented seperately because I expect much more discussion 
than RFC 222 and wish to keep the consideration of the two seperate.


=head1 MIGRATION

As RFC 222.


=head1 REFERENCES

RFC 222 - Interpolation of object method calls

RFC 237 - Hashes should interpolate in double-quoted strings

Upcoming RFC on interpolation of subroutines