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

Passing Around Unique Pointers

When is it okay to pass unique pointers?

One of the primary reasons we choose pointers and dynamic memory allocation over static variables is the flexibility they offer in passing data throughout different sections of code. However, when it comes to unique pointers, the passing around gets a bit tricky.

Note
There are certain best practices that you should follow when accessing unique pointers beyond the scope in which they were initialized.

When returning from builder functions:

One valid use case for passing a unique pointer is when you are returning from a builder function (a function which exists only to allocate/build resources).

uniquePtrBuilder.cpp

In the above code, we are using a builder function to create a unique pointer to an integer value. Once the function returns, the myUniquePtr in the main function starts pointing to the dynamic integer value.

When transferring ownership

It’s also considered valid and safe to move a unique pointer. For example, you may transfer the ownership of a unique pointer from class A to class B.

When is it not okay to pass unique pointers?

Sharing a std::unique_ptr with the intention of multiple parties owning it is not suitable. This breaks the core concept of a unique pointer, as it should have only one owner.

For example, you may create a unique pointer instance inside a class and then pass its raw pointer to an external library function. Such sharing is unsafe and can lead to hard-to-debug memory problems.

Everything was clear?

Section 2. Chapter 4

Course Content

C++ Smart Pointers

1. Introduction to Smart Pointers

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

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

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

Understanding Weak Pointers Creating And Using Weak Pointers Breaking Circular References With Weak Pointers Important Weak Pointer Functions

5. References

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

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

C++ Smart Pointers

Passing Around Unique Pointers

When is it okay to pass unique pointers?

Note
There are certain best practices that you should follow when accessing unique pointers beyond the scope in which they were initialized.

When returning from builder functions:

One valid use case for passing a unique pointer is when you are returning from a builder function (a function which exists only to allocate/build resources).

uniquePtrBuilder.cpp

When transferring ownership

It’s also considered valid and safe to move a unique pointer. For example, you may transfer the ownership of a unique pointer from class A to class B.

When is it not okay to pass unique pointers?

Sharing a std::unique_ptr with the intention of multiple parties owning it is not suitable. This breaks the core concept of a unique pointer, as it should have only one owner.

Everything was clear?

Section 2. Chapter 4