splat.rb

# strange splat
[*0..9]  # [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]

# http://endofline.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/the-strange-ruby-splat/
# splat creates an array
first, *list = [1,2,3,4]          # first= 1, list= [2,3,4]
*list, last  = [1,2,3,4]          # list= [1,2,3], last= 4
first, *center, last = [1,2,3,4]  # first= 1, center= [2,3], last=4

a = *"Hello"  #=> ["Hello"]
"Hello".to_a  #=> NoMethodError: undefined method `to_a' for "Hello":String
a = *(1..3)   #=> [1, 2, 3]
a = *[1,2,3]  #=> [1, 2, 3]