Here is my take of mutability: A string variable can only be changed at its outermost level, either thru initalization, or changing the whole content of it. A string variable, a record, or a list is also just an address to where the contents of that variable. (But you can change the contents of a record or a list, those are mutable.
set ml to {"red", "blue", "green"}
set item 2 of ml to "black"
log ml
--> (*red, black, green*)
@Shane, appreciate the response and related clarification…if there is anything else – in addition to the references suggested by Stefan ad McUsrll which I will read – that you can thing of to assist me in understanding how the words “contents”. “text”, etc. break the reference please et me know as this too would be greatly appreciated.
I think what’s been said covers it. The only other thing to add is that it’s only a problem when you test for equality; if you use some other test, such as is greater than or comes before, dereferencing happens automatically.
I hear you…although live in Canada we frequently have a number of weeks where the humidex is in the low to id 40 degrees Celsius so I know how nasty and ugly that can be…if it helps, it is now winter here and a cool -10 degrees Celsius where I am skiing…
Thanks for all of your help over the last few weeks!