Re: link list returned from service program

[Adam Glauser <adamglauser@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Alan Campin wrote:
> Also, about returning a pointer from a service program. 
>
> I would consider this to be bad practice no matter what. The pointer can
> be used to do anything and exposes the internals of your service
> program. 
>
> Returning a handle that points into an array is always a much better way
> Everything is managed and hidden in the service program. 

It seems to me like using a handle instead of a pointer adds unnecessary 
complexity.  If you can't trust the consumers of your service program 
not to mess with the data when given a pointer, what's to stop them from 
making up handle values to mess with other lists?

I can see a case for designing a more secure handle if the software will 
be widely distributed, or if the results of someone messing with the 
service program internals could be particularly disastrous.  Otherwise, 
it seems to me like an awful lot of work for not a lot of gain.

I'd be really interested in arguments as to why handles are really 
better.  I'm most likely missing something that more experience could 
illuminate.