title: Using partial functions in Scala - how does it work?
body: <p>I'm new to Scala, I'm using 2.9.1, and I'm trying to get my head around how to use partial functions.  I have a basic understanding of curried functions, and I know that partial functions are kind of like curried functions where they are only 2nary or some such.  As you can tell I'm a bit green at this.</p>
  
  <p>It does seem that in certain cases like XML filtering, being able to partial functions would be highly advantageous, so I'm hoping get a better understanding of how to use them.</p>
  
  <p>I have a function that uses the RewriteRule structure, but I need it to work with two arguments, whereas the RewriteRule structure only takes one, OR a partial function.  I think this is one of the cases I'm thinking about it being helpful.</p>
  
  <p>Any advice, links, words of wisdom etc. welcome!</p>
  
  <p>The answers so far are excellent, and have cleared up a few fundamental misconceptions I have.  I think they also explain where I'm struggling - I think maybe posting a new question being a bit more specific will help, so I'll do that too.</p>