Why use smart pointers instead of raw pointers?

Smart pointers automate memory cleanup, preventing leaks and dangling pointers while ensuring exception safety by tying resource lifetime to object scope.

Does this skill support C++11 and later standards?

Yes, it focuses on modern C++ standards (C++11/14/17/20) and promotes best practices like std::make_unique and std::make_shared.

Is std::make_shared always preferred over the new operator?

Generally yes, as it is more efficient by performing a single allocation for both the object and the control block, while also being more exception-safe.

How does this help with circular references?

It provides patterns for using std::weak_ptr to create non-owning references, which breaks ownership cycles that would otherwise cause memory leaks.

Can it handle resources other than heap memory?

Yes, it includes guidance on using RAII and custom deleters for various resources including file handles (FILE*), network sockets, and mutex locks.

C++ Smart Pointers & RAII

Name: C++ Smart Pointers & RAII
Author: TheBushidoCollective

byTheBushidoCollective

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Learning & Documentation

Implements safe memory management and RAII patterns in modern C++ projects using smart pointers.

About

This skill empowers Claude to architect robust, leak-free C++ applications by adhering to modern memory management standards. It provides comprehensive guidance on implementing unique, shared, and weak pointers, along with Resource Acquisition Is Initialization (RAII) principles to ensure exception safety and automatic resource cleanup. Whether refactoring legacy code or building new systems, this tool helps developers avoid manual memory management pitfalls and circular references through proven patterns and custom deleter implementations.

Key Features

Configuration of custom deleters for resources like file handles and sockets
Optimization of shared resources using std::make_shared and aliasing constructors
Implementation of RAII patterns for exception-safe resource handling
39 GitHub stars
Prevention of memory leaks via circular reference detection with std::weak_ptr
Automated memory management using std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr

Use Cases

Managing system resources like file descriptors or database connections safely
Refactoring manual new and delete calls into modern smart pointer patterns
Implementing complex data structures like graphs or caches without memory leaks

About

Key Features

Configuration of custom deleters for resources like file handles and sockets
Optimization of shared resources using std::make_shared and aliasing constructors
Implementation of RAII patterns for exception-safe resource handling
39 GitHub stars
Prevention of memory leaks via circular reference detection with std::weak_ptr
Automated memory management using std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr

Use Cases

Managing system resources like file descriptors or database connections safely
Refactoring manual new and delete calls into modern smart pointer patterns
Implementing complex data structures like graphs or caches without memory leaks