C++ shared_ptr vs. unique_ptr for resource management

Question

I\'ve been mulling over use of unique_ptr vs shared_ptr vs own_solution. I\'ve discounted the latter as I\'ll almost certainly get it

Answer 1

In the end, you cannot force anyone to listen. Ask at microsoft, apple or any open source library developer, they all know that song. A comment in the right words and places is your best bet.

Avoid creating your own smart pointer class, it hinders composition and reduces readability. As a last resort, try looking in boost, or any framework your code already has to work with.

If you have non-owners, they are either electable for holding weak_ptrs or (if it is guaranteed to stay valid for the duration) raw pointers.
If you use shared_ptrs internally (why should you), best provide weak_ptr and raw pointers.

All those smart pointers explicitly denote an ownership policy. Raw pointers denote none or non-owning.

• auto_ptr: Do not use, deprecated with too many traps even for the wary.
• unique_ptr: Sole ownership.
• shared_ptr: Shared ownership
• weak_ptr: No ownership, might get deleted behind your back.
• raw pointer
  • Explicitly no ownership with guaranteed bigger lifetime
  • or manual ownership management.