RS> RS>>  You have to open the file before you can write to it.
RS> 
RS> TM> No. The ofstream constructor does that.
RS> 
RS>  Oh, really?  I don't doubt it can be done, but is that the
RS>  default or does that have to be implemented by you?
RS> 
RS> RS>> TM> }
RS> 
RS> RS>>  And close it when you're done
RS> 
RS> TM> No. The ofstream destructor does that.
RS> 
RS>  Sounds like sloppy programming to me, but then I'm very new
RS>  to the C++.  I feel that IO cleanup should be done explicitly.
RS> 
Actually, this is quite within the spirit of C++.  In fact, doing
anything else is considered sloppy programming by some people, including
Bjarne Stroustrup, the original designer of C++!  In fact, if you do
your cleanup explicitly instead of within the destructors you run the
risk of resource leaks.  If you use exception handling, which IS part of
the C++ specification, you run a CERTAINTY of resource leaking!  Most if
not all libraries use exception handling today, so in fact you are using
it whether you like it or not.  Furthermore the ANSI C++ standard
specifies throwing exceptions in the standard library so there you are!
   I ask that you refer to the following reference :
    "The C++ Programming Language", 1997, pp. 366 - 7.
    by Bjarne Stroustrup
Those two pages give a good description as to why what you call
"sloppy programming" is in fact an excellent technique to be
encouraged as much as possible!
Thanks,
Peter
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 þ KWQ/2 1.2i þ We've secretly replaced the DiLithium with new Folgers 
Crystals..
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