Marc Nieper-Wißkirchen wrote:
> > > /* Return an independent copy of ITER that is initially in the same
> > > state. */
> > > extern Hamt_iterator *hamt_iterator_copy (Hamt_iterator *iter);
> >
> > Then a copy function is not needed, because the user's program can do
> >
> > Hamt_iterator iter_clone = iter;
>
> The hamt itself has to be copied (to increase the reference counter).
Then the comment should clarify what "independent" means. I thought it
means that both iterators (the original one and the copy) can be used
simultaneously, as long as the HAMT does not change. Do you mean
something broader?
- If someone creates a derivative of the HAMT, the iterator won't
be affected, right? ("persistence")
- If someone makes destructive modifications to the HAMT (through the
*_x functions), the iterator will be affected if it has not yet
passed the point of modification, right?
So, what is the scenario where increasing the reference count will make
a difference?
Bruno
