Automatic Resource Management, V.2

[Joshua Bloch]

Howard,

On Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 8:22 PM, <howard.lovatt at gmail.com> wrote:

> I have a couple of reservations:
>
> 1. The use of try does not seem natural; it is too tied in my mind to
> Exceptions,


But there are exceptions involved here!  A main point of the construct is
that it closes resources, even in the presence of exceptions.  I think
that's why others find it so natural.



> can another keyword be used?


There's no technical reason not to, but we have to decide what's best from a
language-design standpoint.


>
>
> 2. If we are using the specific block approach, eg try (...) {...}, then it
> does not seem natural that for each or similar closes the resource. If the
> approach used automatic closure of a resource at the end of the block that
> the resource was declared in, then for each etc. closing the resource would
> seem natural. I prefer that the resource is automatically closed at the end
> of the block and therefore for each etc. would naturally close at the end
> of their block also; but if the majority thinks a dedicated block structure
> is better, then I suggest that for each etc. are left out.


Yeah, this could go either way.


>
> Having stated my reservations I would rather see the proposal, as is,
> included, rather than nothing at all.
>
> Also thanks to Josh for putting so much effort into this.


And thanks so much for your encouragement!

        Josh