What does the `refTo` function do? Because it seem...

# kotlin-native

[Dominaezzz]

What does the refTo function do? Because it seems the target array is unpinned before the function returns.

[jonnyzzz]

It uses usingPinned not usePinned. And the implementation creates an CValuesRef<> object that asks for the pointer from the scope.

https://github.com/JetBrains/kotlin-native/blob/master/Interop/Runtime/src/native/kotlin/kotlinx/cinterop/Pinning.kt#L78

[olonho]

Think of it as temporary pinning for duration of the call

[Dominaezzz]

During the call of refTo?

[Dominaezzz]

Oh, hold on, does refTo simply return a value to be pinned in future? Like lazy/on-demand pinning?

[olonho]

nope,

private inline fun <T : Any, P : CPointed> T.usingPinned(
        crossinline block: Pinned<T>.() -> CPointer<P>
) = object : CValuesRef<P>() {

    override fun getPointer(scope: AutofreeScope): CPointer<P> {
        val pinned = [e-mail]()
        scope.defer { pinned.unpin() }
        return pinned.block()
    }
}

, i.e. object is pinned until the current scope is active

[Dominaezzz]

Oh, sorry if I'm not getting this right. So if I call refTo but don't "consume" the result, i.e pass to cinterop. It will remain pinned. Until I "consume" it?

[Dominaezzz]

Nvm, I think I get it now.