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1383 | The path does not need to exist: changing from \*(L"path exists\*(R" to \*(L"path does |
1383 | The path does not need to exist: changing from \*(L"path exists\*(R" to \*(L"path does |
1384 | not exist\*(R" is a status change like any other. The condition \*(L"path does |
1384 | not exist\*(R" is a status change like any other. The condition \*(L"path does |
1385 | not exist\*(R" is signified by the \f(CW\*(C`st_nlink\*(C'\fR field being zero (which is |
1385 | not exist\*(R" is signified by the \f(CW\*(C`st_nlink\*(C'\fR field being zero (which is |
1386 | otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of |
1386 | otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of |
1387 | the stat buffer having unspecified contents. |
1387 | the stat buffer having unspecified contents. |
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1388 | .PP |
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1389 | The path \fIshould\fR be absolute and \fImust not\fR end in a slash. If it is |
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1390 | relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. |
1388 | .PP |
1391 | .PP |
1389 | Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply |
1392 | Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply |
1390 | calls \f(CW\*(C`stat (2)\*(C'\fR regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You |
1393 | calls \f(CW\*(C`stat (2)\*(C'\fR regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You |
1391 | can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify |
1394 | can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify |
1392 | a polling interval of \f(CW0\fR (highly recommended!) then a \fIsuitable, |
1395 | a polling interval of \f(CW0\fR (highly recommended!) then a \fIsuitable, |