1.1 KiB
Feature name
Summary
Allow table.clone to copy tables with locked metatables.
Motivation
Currently table.clone cannot create shallow copies of a table if it has a locked metatable. The dictionary definition for shallow copying is to copy all the fields of a table to a new table but not doing so recursively. There is no mention of metatables in the first place so most users expect said behavior just to work, if they haven't taken a look at the manual of course.
Design
When table.clone attempts to clone a table with a locked metatable the table is shallow copied with the exception of not assigning the metatable to the shallow copy.
Drawbacks
There are no drawbacks to this. You can already create a shallow copy of a table with a locked metatable (without assigning the metatable to the copy) so there is no downside in allowing table.clone to do the same.
Alternatives
An alternate mode of action would be to also clone the locked metatable to the new copy. This would however come with a few downsides including potential security and usability issues.