self.prop=nil; vs. [prop release];prop=nil;

Question

If I am using synthesized properties, then why wouldn't I simply say :

self.property = nil;

This will release the ref count, and make sure I don't have a dangling pointer.

Seems straightforward, and yet 99% of code I see seems to do it this way:

[property release];
property = nil;

and yes, in most cases they are properties. I get the horrible feeling I am missing something? Sorta like when I forgot to put "self." in front of some of the properties and wondered why it was crashing :-)

Answer 1

If you're trying to clear the value of a property anywhere but in a dealloc method, then self.property = nil; is the best way to do it. It'll handle all the memory management tasks for you, helping to prevent any issues.

If you are in the dealloc method, than the best way to release that ivar is up for debate, but [property release]; tends to be recommended, since calling self.property may have secondary effects. In the dealloc method, calling property = nil; is not necessary.