std::auto_ptr

template< class T > class auto_ptr;

template<> class auto_ptr<void>;

auto_ptr is a smart pointer that manages an object obtained via new expression and deletes that object when auto_ptr itself is destroyed. It may be used to provide exception safety for dynamically-allocated objects, for passing ownership of dynamically-allocated objects into functions and for returning dynamically-allocated objects from functions.

Copying an auto_ptr copies the pointer and transfers ownership to the destination: both copy construction and copy assignment of auto_ptr modify their right hand arguments, and the "copy" is not equal to the original. Because of these unusual copy semantics, auto_ptr may not be placed in standard containers. std::unique_ptr is preferred for this and other uses. (since C++11).

An additional class template auto_ptr_ref is referred to throughout the documentation. It is an implementation-defined type that holds a reference to auto_ptr. The implementation is allowed to provide the template with a different name or implement the functions returning it or accepting it as parameter in other ways.

Member types

Member functions