weak_ref issue

I've discovered an issue in the implementation weak_ref.  The issue is due
to the way the Lua garbage collector works. Namely, an element can be
removed from a weak table in a garbage collection cycle without the __gc
metamethod being called on the element being removed.  The result is that
the weak reference connection between an wrap_base derived class and its
object_rep can be lost.

Here's what happens:

object_rep A is created and wrap_base A stores a weak reference to it. This
reference is stored in slot 10 of the weak table.

.....

object_rep A is no longer in use an becomes garbage.

The garbage collector runs far enough to remove the reference to object_rep
A in the weak table.

object_rep B is created and wrap_base B stores a weak reference to it. Slot
10 in the weak table is now empty so the reference
to B is stored in slot 10.

The garbage collector runs and invokes the __gc method for object_rep A.
This destroys wrap_base A, which in turn destroys the weak_ref and calls
luaL_unref on slot 10 of the weak table

Now wrap_base B now longer has a valid reference for object_rep B.


I've attached a simple program that demonstrates the behavior of the garbage
collector in Lua.  Because I'm not very familiar with all of the details of
luabind, I'm not sure how to proceed with fixing this issue. Any advice
would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Max

--
Technical Director
Unknown Worlds Entertainment
http://www.unknownworlds.com

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