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> Memory leak is an old C++ problem, since C++11 there is no reason for not using smart pointers. C++11 did not invent smart pointers, pretty much every C++ pr

by usrnm 4y ago

> Memory leak is an old C++ problem, since C++11 there is no reason for not using smart pointers. C++11 did not invent smart pointers, pretty much every C++ project had already been using them long before they were added to the standard. They help with leaks to some extent, but are not a panacea, I can do a memory leak with shared_ptr in just a few lines of code. I've seen this line of reasoning many times before and it needs to stop.

School-Cotton 4y ago
Indeed, but to be fair, Rust's smart pointers can be used to create memory leaks just as easily as C++'s. (Overall I think Rust is a much better language than C++, though).
- jamincan 4y ago
  You don't even need a smart pointer: `let bar = Box::leak(foo);`
  - Taywee 4y ago
    Full example of a Rust program that leaks memory: `fn main() { Box::leak(Box::new(0)); }`
dxuh 4y ago
There was no way to implement a smart pointer in even a halfway usable and reliable way without move semantics, so C++11 is absolutely essential to use them well. Also I fully agree with the general sentiment. I have not produced a memory leak in many, many years in dozens of hobby projects or in a handful of professional C++ use. It's truly is a giant game changer. You can produce a leak with shared_ptr, but only if you do shit that looks dangerous and stinks to high heavens (a bit similar to the unsafe keyword).