Notice: This page requires JavaScript to function properly.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings or update your browser.Learn The Need For Smart Pointers | Introduction to Smart Pointers
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
The Need For Smart Pointers

Manual memory management requires to explicitly deallocate memory, or it can lead to memory leaks, which are notoriously hard to track. This makes the need for a tool that handles allocation and proper deallocation obvious.

Smart Pointers Introduction

Smart pointers are objects that automate memory management, even for dynamic memory. There are three kinds of smart pointers.

Smart pointers use object-oriented programming to automate memory management. They are essentially class templates, allowing them to handle different data types while utilizing constructors and destructors for allocation and deallocation. When a smart pointer is created, its constructor is called and when it goes out of scope, the destructor handles cleanup.

h

smart_pointer

copy

              
123456789101112

            
template <typename T>
class SmartPointer {
public:
    SmartPointer(T* pointer) 
      : pointer(pointer) {}

    ~SmartPointer() { delete ptr; }

    T* Get() { return pointer; }
private:
    T* pointer;
};

To use smart pointers, you need to include the <memory> header file.

h

including_memory

copy

              
1

            
#include <memory>
question mark

What is the primary challenge associated with manual memory management?

Select the correct answer

Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 3
We're sorry to hear that something went wrong. What happened?
some-alt