Optimization opportunity by using `Array[Byte]` as `Ptr[Byte]`

[armanbilge]

There's probably a few places we can take advantage of this.

https://scala-native.org/en/latest/changelog/0.4.8.html#easier-access-to-arrays-underlying-memory

[Ghurtchu]

Hi, @armanbilge, the link is broken. Do you remember what is this issue about or is it still relevant?

[armanbilge]

@Ghurtchu thanks for asking, sorry that the link is broken now 😕

This issue is still relevant! Scala Native has the ability to view an Array[Byte] as a Ptr[Byte]. This lets us directly share memory between the Scala and Native parts of the codebase without copying.

Here is an example of how it's used in Cats Effect.

https://github.com/typelevel/cats-effect/blob/3b2ba0e95423a9576c04314c74799e48432a50c7/std/native/src/main/scala/cats/effect/std/SecureRandomCompanionPlatform.scala#L41

Let me know if you have questions!