RAII in Python - automatic destruction when leaving a scope

Question

I\'ve been trying to find RAII in Python. Resource Allocation Is Initialization is a pattern in C++ whereby an object is initialized as it is created. If it fails, then it t

Answer 1

Basically you are probably using the wrong language. If you want sane scoping rules and reliable destruction then stick with C++ or try Perl. The GC debate about when memory is released seems to miss the point. It's about releasing other resources like mutexes and file handles. I believe C# makes the distinction between a destructor that is called when the reference count goes to zero and when it decides to recycle the memory. People aren't that concerned about the memory recycling but do want to know as soon as it is no longer referenced. It's a pity as Python had real potential as a language. But it's unconventional scoping and unreliable destructors (or at least implementation dependent ones) means that one is denied the power you get with C++ and Perl.

Interesting the comment made about just using new memory if it's available rather than recycling old in GC. Isn't that just a fancy way of saying it leaks memory :-)