in reply to Generic output file
In essence, this really isn't all that different from the topic discussed here just a few days ago. Anytime you start thinking in terms of generic procedures (a Good Thing(tm)) you almost always can follow the tangent that leads to polymorphism and objects. Granted, that might be over-complicating this issue, but it might be a good learning experience.
It helps to remember that the primary goal is to drain the swamp even when you are hip-deep in alligators.
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