Unique Pointers
In this lesson, we will examine the first type of smart pointer – the unique pointer. It limits access to its resource, thereby maintaining smart pointer's privacy.
Introduction
An std::unique_ptr automatically and exclusively manages the lifetime of its resource according to the RAII idiom. std::unique_ptr should be our first choice since it functions without memory or performance overhead.
std::unique_ptr exclusively controls its resource. It automatically releases the resource if it goes out of scope. No copy semantics are required, and it can be used in containers and algorithms of the Standard Template Library. std::unique_ptr is as cheap and fast as a raw pointer when no special delete function is used.
Characteristics
Before we go into the usage of std::unique_ptr, here are its characteristics in a few bullet points.
The std::unique_ptr:
- can be instantiated with and without a resource.
- manages the