How do i return an object from a function in Delphi without causing Access Violation?

Question

I have a delphi function that returns a TStringList, but when I return a value and try to use it I get a Access Violation Error i.e

myStringList := FuncStringLis         


        

Answer 1

Don't free the object before you are done invoking the methods on it. You are currently invoking the Count method on a destroyed object, hence the error.

Why don't you create the string list in the calling function instead, and pass its reference to the method that fills it? Or make the string list a member of a class, and free it when you free the class that owns it?