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C++ Smart Pointers
course content

Contenido del Curso

C++ Smart Pointers

C++ Smart Pointers

1. Introduction to Smart Pointers
Understanding Pointers and Heap MemoryThe Need For Smart PointersSmart Pointer Use CasesReferences Use CasesBenefits of Using Smart Pointers and References
2. Unique Pointers
What Are Unique Pointers?Creating Unique PointersApplication For Unique PointersPassing Around Unique PointersInner Workings of a Unique PointerUnique Pointers and Templates
3. Shared Pointers
What Are Shared Pointers?Creating and Sharing Shared PointersShared Pointer Functions to RememberShared Pointers vs Unique PointersBest Practices of Using Shared PointersShared Pointers Practice
4. Weak Pointers
Understanding Weak PointersCreating And Using Weak PointersBreaking Circular References With Weak PointersImportant Weak Pointer Functions
5. References
How Are References Different From Pointers?Constant References And ImmutabilityWhen to Use References vs Smart Pointers vs Raw PointersReferences Best Practices
6. Advanced topics
Providing Custom Deleters For Smart PointersReal-World Applications of Smart PointersPerformance Considerations With Smart PointersDefinitive Guide to Shared vs Unique vs Weak Pointers

bookDefinitive Guide to Shared vs Unique vs Weak Pointers

In the last theoretical chapter of our course, we will reinforce all the learned concepts so far to create a comprehensive comparison table. This table will serve as a practical guide to help us select the most suitable smart pointer for various dynamic memory management needs.

Shared
Unique
Weak
Ownership semanticsAllows multiple pointers to share ownership of an objectExclusive ownership; only one pointer can own an objectNon-owning pointers; do not affect object lifespan
ConstructionCreated using std::make_shared or std::shared_ptrCreated using std::make_unique or std::unique_ptrNo direct construction; derived from shared pointers
SuitabilitySuitable for scenarios requiring shared ownershipIdeal for scenarios that need exclusive ownershipBreaks cyclic dependencies
Use casesShared database resource; shared counter object etc.A database resource owned exclusively by a class; a dynamic counter object exclusive to a class etc.To represent weak nodes in a graph or linked list; to implement observer patterns
Memory overheadHigher, due to reference counting for tracking ownershipLower than shared pointers as no reference counting involvedNegligible overhead; dependent on shared pointer usage
Performance impactHighest, due to reference countingLower, because no reference counting neededMinimal; just an observer
CopyabilityPossibleNot possiblePossible
AssignabilityAssignableNot assignableAssignable
Memory cleanupDeallocated when reference count reaches zeroAutomatically deallocated when the owning pointer goes out of scopeNo effect on object lifespan
Circular referencesPossibleNot possibleNot applicable
Exception safetySafeSafeSafe
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Sección 6. Capítulo 4
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