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    $\begingroup$ "... it is better to set attributes before you give definitions to a function, to avoid some surprises." I argue that it's better to set the Attribute at the appropriate time, being mindful of the ramifications of the order. This has powerful uses as you know. I know what you are trying to warn new users against but for a long time that "rule" kept me from understanding and using Attributes to their full potential. Maybe this is one of those "you must know the rules before you decide to break them" cases. $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 4, 2012 at 13:22
  • $\begingroup$ @Mr.Wizard I stand by what I advised. Those who know these advanced uses know what they do. Most people would find it highly confusing when their functions would not work according to their definitions, only to discover (with pain, hours later), that there was some evaluation happening at definition-time which ruined their definitions. I am speaking from personal experience here, but I know that lots of other people got into this trap at some point, and more than once. $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 4, 2012 at 13:27
  • $\begingroup$ You already had my vote but I appreciate the addition. Quite reasonably your answers are generally viewed as authoritative (even if you disagree) and it's good, IMHO, to at least allow for situations where an Attribute is not set first. $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 4, 2012 at 13:35
  • $\begingroup$ @Mr.Wizard Thanks, I appreciate that. I used to give more detailed answers which would also explain the reasons behind some of the rules. A little more busy now :) $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 4, 2012 at 13:37
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    $\begingroup$ @LeonidShifrin I was alluring to R - quite lamely as it seems. Thx for the offer though! $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 4, 2012 at 13:51