Are Raw Pointers, `new`/`delete`, and C-Style Arrays Still Relevant in Modern C ?

Are New/Delete, Raw Pointers, and C-Style Arrays Obsolete in Modern C ?

With the advent of C 11 and later advancements, the question arises whether there remain any valid use cases for these legacy constructs, given the availability of more modern and robust alternatives.

Dynamic Memory Management

C 11 introduced smart pointers, effectively eliminating the need for direct memory allocation and deallocation via new and delete. Smart pointers ensure automatic memory management, addressing the risks of dangling pointers and memory leaks.

One potential argument for using new and delete is efficiency. However, it's essential to recognize that standard containers and smart pointers also employ optimized memory management techniques. Additionally, the overhead of using these modern constructs is typically negligible in most practical scenarios.

C-Style Arrays

Standard arrays (std::array) offer a safer and more flexible alternative to C-style fixed-size arrays. std::array supports assignment, copying, and referencing operations seamlessly, allowing for efficient and convenient data handling.

While C-style arrays may be slightly faster in very specific cases, the advantages of using std::array outweigh any marginal performance benefits. In particular, std::array ensures consistent behavior and eliminates potential pitfalls associated with raw pointer manipulation.

Interaction with Third-Party Libraries

Third-party libraries may still use raw pointers. In such cases, it's always advisable to wrap the returned pointers with smart pointers to ensure proper memory management. The deleter function mechanism allows for seamless integration of legacy APIs with modern C practices.

Valid Use Cases for Raw Pointers and C-Style Arrays

Despite the general superiority of smart pointers and standard containers, there are a few corner cases where raw pointers and C-style arrays may be appropriate:

• When ownership of memory should not be local, such as in certain linked list implementations or nested object graphs.
• When highly complex non-local non-reference counted lifetimes exist, making the placement of ownership pointers highly intricate.
• When integrating with legacy code or optimized libraries that require explicit memory management and low-level pointer manipulation.

Conclusion

While raw pointers and C-style arrays are not typically recommended for new code in modern C , they may be necessary in exceptional circumstances. However, the vast majority of use cases can be effectively addressed using the robust and well-established tools provided by modern C .

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