Re: [Vala] out, ref and GError parameters.

["Alexandre Moreira" <alexandream gmail com>]

On 3/16/07, Jürg Billeter <j bitron ch> wrote:
> On Don, 2007-03-15 at 22:02 -0300, Alexandre Moreira wrote:
> > On 3/15/07, Jürg Billeter <j bitron ch> wrote:
> > > It should work as follows:
> > >
> > > Method definition
> > >         public void test (out Error error) {...}
> > >
> > > Checking for null
> > >         if (out error != null) {...}
> > >
> >
> > The problem with that is that it generates the following code:
> >
> > if (&(*error) != NULL) { ... }
> >
> > and this means that error will be dereferenced and then turned back
> > into an address... Oh well, wait. I just decided to take a look at a
> > debugger before hitting send.
> >
> > The thing is, I read the generated code but never actually ran it. It
> > looks like by some kind of black magic (either that or I really don't
> > get the meaning of that statement) error never gets dereferenced, even
> > with the dereference operator acting right in front of it.
> >
> > I don't know if this is compiler dependent though. Perhaps it is
> > simply a matter of gcc being smart enough to identify the pointless
> > mix of operations and ignoring both.
>
> It's obviously not nice code but it's only temporary and I assume it
> works with any compiler as dereferencing error in &(*error) wouldn't
> make sense.
>
> > Just to be sure, though: Is the pointer support anywhere in the "map
> > of plans" ? If so, is it near or far from being implemented (based on
> > your list of priorities).
>
> Yes, we'll add pointer support. I'll try to add it in the next couple of
> weeks if it won't require large changes.

thanks for the replies, Jürg. I have to say: this is one of the
friendliest mail lists for in development projects I've ever been
into. I truly believe Vala is on its way to be a great tool, better
than it already is.

> Jürg