Sounds like the timtowtdi of perl. Funny, I've always called ruby "perl++".
Remember how perl is known to be readable?
If you've seen a method one way many times while learning, then see a synonym, you end up having to search up docs to make sure there isn't some subtle difference.
Function f () {
if(errorCindition) return
if(normalBehavior) {
return 1
}
else {
return 2
}(I know, my use of braces and lack of semi-colons will cause flame wars!)
The error condition looks different from the rest, so when I’m scanning quickly, I know where I am. My eyesight’s rubbish, so the shape of the code has a marked impact on me. I don’t have to read the whole thing to orient myself.
I thought it was nuts when I read the title, but reading the examples had a noticeable “easing” effect on my reading. So I’m very excited by this addition to Ruby. It could lead to some neat, expressive patterns.
This is an undervalued aspect of development. The tactile shape of a block of code conveys some aspects of intent, and overly aggressive linting tools destroy that intent.