I actually had to look it up myself (Shhh... don't tell anybody). The + modifies the > or < redirections to 'both ways'. That means, '+>' first opens for writing, but allows reading as well. So you start with an empty file, guaranteed. '+<' the other way around.

Your 2nd question: Yes. With the remark that you're already at the end, so there is very little to hash on ;-).

Cheers

Jeroen

"We are not alone"(FZ)