Should I store entire objects, or pointers to objects in containers?

Question

Designing a new system from scratch. I\'ll be using the STL to store lists and maps of certain long-live objects.

Question: Should I ensure my objects have copy co

Answer 1

If you're storing polymporhic objects you always need to use a collection of base class pointers.

That is if you plan on storing different derived types in your collection you must store pointers or get eaten by the slicing deamon.