Is using std::vector< std> > an antipattern?

Question

For a long time I was using std::vector and std::shared_ptr hand in hand. Recently I started using std::shared_ptr when

Answer 1

I would suggest reviewing your design with a view to establish a clear owner of those object. This is the absence of clear ownership that lead people to use shared smart pointers.

Bjarne Stroustrup recommends using smart pointers only as a last resort. His recommendations (best to worst) are:

1. Store an object by value.
2. Store many objects in a container by value.
3. If nothing else works, use smart pointers.

See Bjarne Stroustrup - The Essence of C++: With Examples in C++84, C++98, C++11, and C++14 at 0:37:40.