Re: (DELETE-FILE open-file-stream)

nikodemus_at_random-state.net
Date: 08/10/04 

Date: 10 Aug 2004 10:56:34 GMT

Sam Steingold <sds@gnu.org> wrote:

> Since Common Lisp should provide consistent behavior across platforms
> (IMHO), there are actually only two options: always signal an error when
> there is an open stream or magically close all such streams.

I disagree. The operatios should make as much sense as possible for the
given platform. If the an open stream to a deleted file is possible, it
should be provided.

If you really want to do the same thing on all platforms for the sake of
purity, then signalling an error immediately would be the way to go.

Magically closing the streams would impo be the worst option in any
case: you still get an error, but at the wrong location, leading to
reduced debuggability. That's just Wrong.

Cheers,

 -- Nikodemus "Not as clumsy or random as a C++ or Java.
                             An elegant weapon for a more civilized time."