Explore the full potential of C++ by mastering the standard library.

Become a C++ Programmer

The C++ standard library is a collection of all the tools and utilities available in C++. It received its latest update in 2017, known as C++17. The update introduces many new features that further optimize our code. This module will help us fully grasp C++ and use it to its full potential.

C++ Standard Library

# Introduction
To be honest, [std::weak_ptr](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/memory/weak_ptr) is not a classic smart pointer, since it supports no transparent access to the resource; it only borrows the resource from an `std::shared_ptr`. 



# Methods
The table provides an overview of the methods of `std::weak_ptr`.

| **Name** | **Description** |
|-|-|
| `expired` | Checks if the resource was deleted. |
| `lock` | Creates a `std::shared_ptr` on the resource. |
| `reset` | Resets the resource. | 
| `swap` | Swaps the resources. |
| `use_count` | Returns the value of the reference counter. |
<p> <strong> Methods of std::weak_ptr </strong> </p>


>  <img src="/api/collection/10370001/6066104977850368/page/4580102618742784/image/6441996354846720" width="35">There is one main reason for the existence and use of `std::weak_ptr`. It breaks the cycle of `std::shared_ptr`. We will discuss these [cyclic references](https://www.educative.io/courses/cpp-fundamentals-for-professionals/cyclic-references) in detail in the next lessons.



std::weak_ptr is the last component of the smart pointers family. Its purpose is limited compared to the other smart pointers, and we will examine why in this lesson.

Weak Pointers

Introduction