Which C Smart Pointer Should I Choose?

Available C Smart Pointer Implementations and Their Comparisons

C 03

• std::auto_ptr: Deprecated in future C standards. Limited garbage collection, ownership complications, and inability to use in STL containers.
• std::auto_ptr_ref: Not a true smart pointer; used in conjunction with std::auto_ptr to allow copying and assignment.

C 11

• std::unique_ptr: Replaces std::auto_ptr. Corrects weaknesses of std::auto_ptr, allowing work with arrays, lvalue protection, and use in STL containers.
• std::shared_ptr: Reference-counted smart pointer. Supports aliasing and pointer arithmetic.
• std::weak_ptr: Non-owning reference to an object owned by a std::shared_ptr. Prevents indefinite cyclic reference counts.

Boost

• boost::shared_ptr: Popular shared reference-counted smart pointer. High performance and versatility.
• boost::weak_ptr: Non-owning reference to a boost::shared_ptr.
• boost::scoped_ptr: Simple smart pointer alternative to boost::shared_ptr with less overhead.
• boost::intrusive_ptr: Custom smart pointer for creating your own smart pointer-compatible classes.
• boost::shared_array: Shared smart pointer for arrays.
• boost::scoped_array: Non-copyable smart pointer for arrays.

Qt

• QPointer: Weak smart pointer for QObject and derived classes. Deprecated.
• QSharedDataPointer: Strong smart pointer comparable to boost::intrusive_ptr, with thread safety.
• QExplicitlySharedDataPointer: Version 2.0 of QSharedDataPointer with enhanced control over detachment.
• QSharedPointer: Atomic reference-counting, thread-safe, sharable smart pointer.
• QWeakPointer: Non-owning reference to a QSharedPointer.
• QScopedPointer: Single-owner smart pointer based on boost::scoped_ptr, suitable for exception-safe code and compatibility.

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