std::auto_ptr to std::unique_ptr

Question

With the new standard coming (and parts already available in some compilers), the new type std::unique_ptr is supposed to be a replacement for std::auto_p

Answer 1

AFAIK, unique_ptr is not a direct replacement. The major flaw that it fixes is the implicit transfer of ownership.

std::auto_ptr a(new int(10)), b;
b = a; //implicitly transfers ownership

std::unique_ptr a(new int(10)), b;
b = std::move(a); //ownership must be transferred explicitly

On the other hand, unique_ptr will have completely new capabilities: they can be stored in containers.