From: "A. Sinan Unur" <asu1 AT cornell DOT edu>
Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.djgpp
Subject: Re: newbie questions about C++
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 01:30:37 -0500
Organization: Cornell University http://www.cornell.edu
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Hilaire Fernandes wrote:
> 
> > > Q1) delete(s);   EQUAL TO   delete(f)  ??
> >
> > If they point to the same object (which they do here), yes.
> 
> Even If I do :
> void *p;
> p=(void *)s;
> delete(p)    EQUAL TO delete(s)  ??
> 
> So delete doesn't need to know the type of pointer to free memory !
> Great!

reminder: comp.os.msdos.djgpp is for djgpp ... "newbie questions about
C++" belong somewhere else. in fact, you should probably read the C++
faq first.

that said, the preceding is WRONG. here is what Stroustrup says in "The
C++ Programming Language" 2nd ed, p.409:

r.5.3.4 Delete

The delete operator destroys an object created by the new operator.
...
The operand of delete must be a pointer returned by new. The effect of
applying delete to a pointer not obtained from the new operator without
a placement specification is undefined and usually harmful.
> 
> Another question :
> Do delete call the destructor when is argument is a pointer to a class ?
> 

from the next page (500) in the same book:

The delete operator will invoke the destructor (if any, see r.12.4) for
the object pointed to.

some recommendations (based on what has worked for me):

-- get some sort of a reliable reference work.
-- try mundane programs until you get them _exactly_ right (not just
working.)
-- when you have a C or C++ question which you think is interesting
enough, try comp.lang.c.moderated or comp.lang.c++.moderated,
respectively. the answers you receive will be probably be more accurate
than here, and if your post is rejected, that will also tell you
something.

   -- Sinan
 
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