FILEREF type is non-linear?

[d4v3y_5c0n3s]

Just a quick question: I noticed that the "FILEREF" type in ATS is non-linear.  Does this mean that I need to enable garbage collection to work with files?  Or is the value freed but hidden from the linear type system?

[gmhwxi]

FILEref is abstract; it is just FILE* in C. As it is non-linear, you

need to remember to close an opened file handle of this type.

BTW, FILEptr is linear; so the type system help you keep track of

file handles of the type FILEptr.

--Hongwei

PS: I often use FILEref first. If needed later, I can always change

it to FILEptr and the typechecker will then lead me to all the places

where subsequent changes are needed for such a change.

[d4v3y_5c0n3s]

Thanks for the help, I was curious about FILEref because I will soon need to work with files in my ATS project.  I hope AT3's development is going well! :)