When is an integer<->pointer cast actually correct?

Question

The common folklore says that:

• The type system exists for a reason. Integers and pointers are distinct types, casting between them is a malpractice in the m

Answer 1

There is an old and good tradition to use pointer to an object as a typeless handle. For instance, some people use it for implementing interaction between two C++ units with flat C-style API. In that case, handle type is defined as one of integer types and any method have to convert a pointer into an integer before it can be transfered to another method that expects an abstract typeless handle as one of its parameter. In addition, sometimes there is no other way to break up a circular dependency.