Why do {word} parameters have to be surrounded by quotes?

[bluego-joe]

Using an example in the README, I have a step definition like Given I eat a {word}, which would match Given I eat a "worm" or Given I eat a 'worm'. But it doesn't match Given I eat a worm.

When using {int}s, {num}s and {float}s, it is not necessary to surround the values with quotes. Would it be possible to extend the same functionality to {word}? (but not {string})

[jonsamwell]

This is very much a range problem. With the quotes the regex knows to only find words with quotes. Without the quotes the word count could be unbounded?

So in the example Given I eat a 'worm' the existing regex RegExp("['|\"](\\w+)['|\"]") would work however if you had a step like

Given I eat {word} and it tasted like {word}

The regex above would match all words past the initial {word} parameter I think.

This is the existing parameter, not the regex

https://github.com/jonsamwell/dart_gherkin/blob/master/lib/src/gherkin/parameters/word_parameter.dart#L5

Feel free to have a play and see if you can come up with anything though!