How do I choose heap allocation vs. stack allocation in C++?

Question

One of the C++ features that sets it apart from other languages is the ability to allocate complex objects as member variables or local variables instead of always having to

Answer 1

There is little to add to the answer of larsmans.

Allocating on the stack usually simplifies resource management, you do not have to bother with memory leaks or ownership, etc. A GUI library is built around this observation, check at "Everything belongs somewhere" and "Who owns widgets."

If you allocate all members on the stack then the default copy ctor and default op= usually suffices. If you allocate the members on the heap, you have to be careful how you implement them.

If you allocate the member variable on the stack, the member's definition has to be visible. If you allocate it on the heap then you can forward declare that member. I personally like forward declarations, it reduces dependency.