Leak question

[Vortigon]

Do i need i need to null an handle variable even though i dont use it at all in the trigger?

for example just this code:

function whatever takes nothing returns nothing
local effect e
endfunction

I wonder if it leaks

 

[Luorax]

You don't have to null it as its value is already null.

 

[Bannar]

If you declare variable but do not set it, then there is nothing given variable is pointing at therefore you do not need to null it.

Although if you use:

function whatever takes nothing returns nothing
    local effect e = AddSpecialEffect(...)
endfunction

You should null it at the end of the function.

 

[Vortigon]

okay thanks!

but when does the variable "deallocate" itself then and can then be reused by other functions?

 

[Luorax]

"Never". If you don't assign any value to a handle variable it doesn't take away any memory.

 

[Pharaoh_]

I am not sure what you ask there; how would a local variable be used by other functions (if that function doesn't have arguments)?

 

[Luorax]

I think he's talking about the memory; when the memory is allocated and deallocated.

 

[Vortigon]

when I local a variable, it won't be accessed by any other function so it takes some memory (for nothing if I dont use it finally), but then when does the memory become "available" again?

at the end of the function or something?

 

[Justify]

okay thanks!

but when does the variable "deallocate" itself then and can then be reused by other functions?

It deallocates itself at the end of the function, ALWAYS.
Nulling is used to rescue the bugged reference counter thats job is to free unused handle ids.
As you never store a handle in it nulling is not necessary.

 

[Pharaoh_]

It's not accessibility from other functions the reason why it deallocates itself.
In the end of the function it becomes "available" again, resetting the handle stack.

Edit: Justify is totally right :>