[enduku]

The above pattern using opaque pointers resembles objects in C++. A construct() and destruct() function returning opaque pointers (handles for the struct really) can act as custom constructors and destructors. The opaque pointer ensures a simplified API, protects internal struct data, and the defining code of struct can change without impacting the remaining source code.

This is in fact, by any meaningful definition of OOP, is a very reasonable pattern. With regards to formal definitions of OO, message passing aspect ought to be recognised rather than overemphasizing the object aspect.