Re: copy one character from a string.

On Thu, 24 Nov 2005 15:03:43 +0100, "Maarten Wiltink"
<maarten@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

<snip>

>No, messing with the refcount is subtle enough as it is. I've learned to
>take statements of the form "arcane; internal use only; keep out" with a
>small grain of salt. Only about five kilos. The moment you realise the
>reference count matters to you, you've already left the realm of "normal
>string handling".

>I consider it counterproductive to warn people away from functions that
>"there is no need to ever call", if it pushes them towards using more
>mainstream functions instead that do not as concisely express their intent.

I had tremendous problems from reference counting faults in D2 or D3
(or both) fortunately they are fixed in D4

My feeling is that UniqueString was built in as the developers were
aware of the potential problems, but had not /yet/ worked out how to
fix them.

A sort of band aid that should not now be necessary
- however that might be just because I'm so aware of potential
reference count problems that I subconsciously cater for them.
.