[boost] Why does shared_ptr have a public reset() method

From: David Maisonave (boost_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-01-30 21:11:19

Why does boost::shared_ptr have a public reset() method?

Why is this method not private?

 

In reading the introduction for weak_ptr, it seems like its main purpose is
to cover up or control this opening to boost::shared_ptr.

http://www.boost.org/libs/smart_ptr/weak_ptr.htm

 

If boost::shared_ptr didn't have this type of public access, would there be
a need for the weak_ptr?

 

I can not find any example code that would justify the requirement for the
weak_ptr other than the code in above link.