[Python-Dev] Py_BuildValue and decref

[Barry Warsaw]

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On Sep 8, 2006, at 6:06 PM, Mihai Ibanescu wrote:

> There is no description of what happens when Py_BuildValue fails.  
> Will it
> decref the python object passed in? Will it not?

I just want to point out that the C API documentation is pretty  
silent about the refcounting side-effects in error conditions (and  
often in success conditions too) of most Python functions.  For  
example, what is the refcounting side-effects of PyDict_SetItem() on  
val?  What about if that function fails?  Has val been incref'd or  
not?  What about the side-effects on any value the new one replaces,  
both in success and failure?

The C API documentation has improved in documenting the refcount  
behavior for return values of many of the functions, but the only  
reliable way to know what some other side-effects are is to read the  
code.  After I perfect my human cloning techniques, I'll be assigning  
one of my minions to fix this situation (I'll bet my clean-the-kitty- 
litter-and-stalk-er-keep-tabs-on-Britney clone would love to take a  
break for a few weeks to work on this).

- -Barry

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