C++ Smart Pointers

1. Introduction to Smart Pointers

This segment will cover a review of heap and stack memory, the necessity of smart pointers, and their practical applications.

Understanding Pointers and Heap Memory

The Need For Smart Pointers

Smart Pointer Use Cases

References Use Cases

Benefits of Using Smart Pointers and References

2. Unique Pointers

In this section, we will introduce the concepts of smart pointers and references in C++, delve into why they are so important, and explore their use cases and benefits.

What Are Unique Pointers?

Creating Unique Pointers

Application For Unique Pointers

Passing Around Unique Pointers

Inner Workings of a Unique Pointer

Unique Pointers and Templates

3. Shared Pointers

This section examines shared pointers, investigating their functionality, benefits, real-world applications in programming and what sets unique pointers apart

What Are Shared Pointers?

Creating and Sharing Shared Pointers

Shared Pointer Functions to Remember

Shared Pointers vs Unique Pointers

Best Practices of Using Shared Pointers

Shared Pointers Practice

4. Weak Pointers

In this section, we will explore weak pointers, comprehending their nature, creating and utilizing them effectively, resolving circular references through weak pointers, and examining key functions associated with weak pointers.

Understanding Weak Pointers

Creating And Using Weak Pointers

Breaking Circular References With Weak Pointers

Important Weak Pointer Functions

5. References

This section addresses the distinctions between references and pointers, emphasizing their differences and similarities. It covers the concept of constant references and immutability, provides guidance on when to utilize references versus smart pointers versus raw pointers, and outlines best practices for working with references in programming contexts.

How Are References Different From Pointers?

Constant References And Immutability

When to Use References vs Smart Pointers vs Raw Pointers

References Best Practices

6. Advanced topics

This section covers custom deleters for smart pointers, real-world smart pointer applications, performance considerations, and a detailed comparison of shared, unique, and weak pointers.

Providing Custom Deleters For Smart Pointers

Real-World Applications of Smart Pointers

Performance Considerations With Smart Pointers

Definitive Guide to Shared vs Unique vs Weak Pointers

Shared Pointers Practice

Task

You are given a basic program that simulates file operations. Right now, the program uses raw pointers to manage file resources. Your task is to modify this code to use shared pointers for file management.