Why use one vs the other: `boost::shared_array` VS `boost::shared_ptr`?

Question

So to deal with large blobs of memory either for an image or similar there are clearly lots of options.

Since I\'m a fan of smart pointers and RAII I\'m wondering ab

Answer 1

It's the same as comparing std::vector vs. C array.

Think about shared_array as a RAII C array. What you get is just automatic memory deallocation. Useful in cases when you deal with 3rd-party code that returns arrays. Theoretically it's faster than std::vector in some edge cases, but much less flexible and less secure.

std::vector is probably the better choice.

Answer 2

shared_ptr to std::vector

• + allows amortized constant time push_back
• - introduces an extra level of indirection over std::vector

shared_array

• + does not introduce an extra level of indirection
• - does not allow amortized constant time append, unless you implement it yourself, which again would take an extra level of indirection.