Dateipointers

Dateipointers is a term used in computing literature to refer to references or handles that identify a file within a system, program, or data store. The word combines Datei (file) and Pointer (pointer) and is often used interchangeably with concepts such as file handle, file descriptor, or file reference in various contexts. It is not a single formal standard, but a descriptive label for abstractions that point to a file.

In programming, a Dateipointer typically encapsulates information needed to access a file, such as an identifier, a path, an offset, or a storage address. Rather than using a plain path string, a pointer abstraction is designed to be passed around and used to perform I/O operations like open, read, write, or seek without exposing low-level details. This can improve portability and safety by isolating the caller from direct filesystem specifics.

Operating systems provide analogous concepts such as file descriptors in Unix-like systems and file handles in Windows. These serve as references to an open file and enable input/output operations. A Dateipointer can be implemented as a data structure or object that carries the necessary metadata or as an index within a runtime file table or database, depending on the design.

Dateipointers are common in multimedia containers, virtual file systems, and storage layers where files may be accessed through abstracted references rather than concrete paths. They also appear in APIs that require opaque handles to improve encapsulation and cross-platform compatibility.

Limitations include the need to manage lifetimes: a pointer may become invalid if the underlying file is moved, closed, or deleted. Proper validation, error handling, and access control are essential to maintain safe and predictable use of Dateipointers.