Dot notation behaves unexpectedly with null values
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                 Key: JEXL-113
                 URL: https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/JEXL-113
             Project: Commons JEXL
          Issue Type: Bug
    Affects Versions: 2.0.1
         Environment: JDK 1.6
            Reporter: Max Tardiveau


When a variable of the form a.b is evaluated, the context is asked first for 
the value of a. That value is then asked for the value of b.

So far, so good: this is exactly what you'd expect from the dot operator.

But if the value of b is null, the context is then asked for the value of a.b, 
in other words the dot operator is ignored and "a.b" is considered to be a 
single variable.

This is at best confusing. Granted, this can be avoided with the a['b'] 
notation, but that's clumsy.

I assume this is an attempt to support both the dot operator and ant-style 
variables. I don't think you can have both and remain sane.

Suggestion: either document this behavior, or make it an option. My vote would 
be to just use the value returned, even if it's null. Either dot is an 
operator, or it's not. Perhaps make that configurable?

Thanks!

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