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C++ Smart Pointers
course content

Course Content

C++ Smart Pointers

C++ Smart Pointers

1. Introduction to Smart Pointers
Understanding PointersDynamic memory allocationThe Need For Smart Pointers
2. Unique Pointers
Introduction to Unique PointersMoving Unique PointersApplication For Unique PointersPassing Around Unique PointersMethods of a Unique Pointer
3. Shared Pointers
Introduction to Shared PointersCreating and Sharing Shared PointersCircular References and Shared Pointers
4. Weak Pointers
Introduction to Weak PointersCreating And Using Weak PointersBreaking Circular References With Weak PointersImportant Weak Pointer Functions
5. Advanced topics
Providing Custom Deleters For Smart PointersPerformance Considerations With Smart PointersOverview Shared vs Unique vs Weak Pointers

book
Introduction to Weak Pointers

Smart pointer std::weak_ptr doesn't own the object it points to. This essentially means that a weak pointer doesn't increase the reference count of the object.

A std::weak_ptr allows access to an object managed by shared pointers without extending its lifetime. If all shared pointers go out of scope, the object is deleted, even if a weak pointer still exists. This is useful for observing shared objects without preventing their deallocation.

cpp

main

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#include <iostream>
#include <memory>

struct Resource {
    Resource() { std::cout << "Resource created\n"; }
    ~Resource() { std::cout << "Resource destroyed\n"; }
};

int main() 
{
    std::shared_ptr<Resource> sp1 = std::make_shared<Resource>();
    std::weak_ptr<Resource> wp = sp1; // Weak pointer does not increase ref count

    std::cout << "Shared pointer going out of scope...\n";
    sp1.reset(); // Resource is deleted

    if (wp.expired())
        std::cout << "Resource no longer exists\n";
}

The Lifecycle of a Weak Pointer

Weak pointers are observers they can access an object but don't extend its lifetime.

Their lifecycle depends on shared pointers. When the last shared pointer is destroyed, the object is deallocated, and the weak pointer expires. It still exists but becomes empty.

question mark

If 10 shared pointers and 1 weak pointer reference a resource, what happens when all shared pointers go out of scope?

Select the correct answer

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Section 4. Chapter 1
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