> david said: Just tested what happens when you set the handle size. Not good.
> 
> why aren't all arrays automatically deflated? (pardon my french if this isn't
> the correct terminology, but i assume you all know what i mean...)
> 
> -bowerbird
> 

this would slow things down. fixed arrays are compiled into your code with
specific offsets based on element size. to paraphrase the compiler's
thoughts...

data = startOfVariableSpace + offsetToThisArray * elementNumber *
selementSize

a preflight check is made to insure that elementNumber fits. this is all
actually hard coded into your program for speed.

dynamic arrays are very different. they live in a handle that moves, and
grows as needed. they require additional steps to implement. while they have
enormous advantages for programs that cannot predetermine the size of
arrays, they have a speed hit that may or may not be acceptable to things
like fast action animations in gaming.


(as i recall, dynamic arrays can be deflated)


-STAZ  ~)~