Re: [boost] Shared_ptr "mini garbage collector"

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-01-07 18:02:55

"Peter Dimov" <pdimov_at_[hidden]> writes:

> From: "David Abrahams" <dave_at_[hidden]>
>>
>> Yes, but IIUC the reason the library's not doing it is because you
>> might get the order wrong, which could cause a problem like a dangling
>> pointer needed for some destructor.
>
> Not really... The library's not currently doing it because it hasn't been my
> goal to provide a "real" garbage collected pointer. sp_debug_hooks.cpp is an
> example that demonstrates what can be done with the debug hooks called by
> shared_ptr; code using it operates in "safe mode" (or slightly safer mode.)
> IOW a shared_ptr cycle is still not supposed to happen in bug free programs.
>
> That aside, can you think of a reasonable design that does not depend on
> intentionally created shared_ptr cycles, but still needs a correct
> destruction order when a cycle is broken?

I can barely think of a reasonable design where GC is a big design win
;-)

In my work, ownership relationships are usually very obvious.  When
they're not, destruction does nothing but release resources.

-- 
                       David Abrahams
   dave_at_[hidden] * http://www.boost-consulting.com
Boost support, enhancements, training, and commercial distribution