boost::intrusive_ptr
boost::intrusive_ptr is a reference-counting smart pointer that keeps the count inside the
8 docs tagged with "smart-pointers"
View all tagsboost::scoped_ptr and scoped_array
boost: it owns a single heap object and deletes it when
boost::shared_ptr and weak_ptr
boost: any number of sharedptr instances can
Custom Deleters
Extend smart pointers to manage any resource requiring special cleanup beyond delete. Enable RAII for files, handles, connections, locks - anything needing cleanup.
Smart Pointers Overview
Boost.SmartPtr is where modern C++ ownership semantics were invented. Long before std::shared_ptr
std::shared_ptr
Smart pointer with shared ownership via reference counting. Multiple shared_ptrs can own the same object, deleted when last owner destroyed.
std::unique_ptr
Smart pointer with exclusive ownership. Zero overhead, automatic cleanup, move-only semantics. The default choice for dynamic memory.
std::weak_ptr
Non-owning observer of shared_ptr-managed objects. Doesn't increase reference count, enables checking if object still exists.