I don't quite understand the whole deal with AA3's "Temp" folder

Question

So, when exactly can I or should I delete the contents of Auditions temp folder?  Mine is currently at a bit over 400MB but on an 90GB partition.
But, I'm wondering when it is appropriate to clear some of all of the temp files out of there.
I just don't understand what they're there for, because as I understood it they are created when you make an edit on a file so that you can undo that edit, if this is true, here are my questions:
1. Are temp files only important when working on a session?
Because I mean, if I make an edit in edit view, it creates a temp file...but once I have finalized that edit and saved re-saved the waveform making it permanent, then what is the point of the temp file?  How do I find out which temp files are associated with destructive edits that have been saved and thus making the temp file unnecassary?
2. Are temp files created when an effect is applied in Multi-Track view?  if they are then:
IF I delete the wrong temp files does that mean that the efx I applied on certain tracks will no longer be there?  Will efx dissapear from tracks on which I have applied them if I delete temp files?
Obviously I don't understand, but why do I need 400+ MB of temp files after my projects have been saved and closed?  What is the purpose of all those temp files being there if all my projects are up to speed as far as saving is concerned?
any insight would be highly appreciated, thanks.
Kris

Answer 1

hmmm, thanks for the response but are you sure?
Because it says specifically to use your biggest partition for the temp files folder...if they are all supposedly erased upon the closing of Audition (which mine are definetly not) then why do they suggest to that you use your biggest partition for the temp folder?
Here is more from the manual:
When you edit a file, Adobe Audition copies the audio data into a temporary file for internal use. This process allows for quicker editing, better handling of large files, and the ability to undo changes.
When specifying folders for temporary files, you should use hard disks with plenty of free space. (To specify these folders, see System  preferences.) If free disk space reaches 45 MB, the Manage Temporary Folder Reserve Space dialog box appears. You can use this dialog box to delete temporary files and clear undo items.
Use  the status bar to monitor the amount of free disk space. (See Display  the status bar.)
well if you got to the help files you can see the image too, and it picture where it's giving you the option to delete what appear to be older temp files?
It seems unlikely that if Audition is deleting temp files upon closing and your temp folder is on your largest drive, that a situation would arise wherebye the temp files eat up so much space in one session that your HD is down to 45MB??
maybe I'm missing something, can someone confirm what ryclark said?   Is it true that I can manually delete all my temp files and there will be no implications for my sessions which have already been closed?
thanks again.