Re: [boost] [shared_array] Why not in C++11 ?

Subject: Re: [boost] [shared_array] Why not in C++11 ?
From: Sid Sacek (ssacek_at_[hidden])
Date: 2013-07-08 04:22:22

Andrey Semashev wrote:
> > Now watch this:
> >
> >         int my_buffer_size = 1234;
> >         auto buffer = boost::make_shared< unsigned char[] >( > my_buffer_size );
> >         buffer[ index ] = something;
> >         int cap = buffer.capacity();
> >
> > Doesn't that feel the most natural ?
>
>
> I agree that the syntax is simpler but that functionality exceeds that of a pointer, IMHO. 

I want to agree with you, only to make you happy, but I'm sorry, shared_ptr<T[]> does not
behave like a pointer at all. It behaves like an array.  Check out the available member
functions. You cannot write code like this:

        shared_ptr<T[]> buffer;
        buffer-> ????     // what does this point to, I cannot figure it out ???

> If you want a container, use one. Containers with shared storage would be a nice addition
> to Boost, IMHO, but these should not abuse shared_ptr interface. 

According to what you just wrote 'shared_ptr<T[]>' has already abused 'shared_ptr<>' and
all of the array features should be rolled back, or be put into another class altogether.

In all seriousness, I'm not trying to be a thorn in anybody's side here.  All I'm saying
is that 'shared_ptr<T[]>' looks to me like it has come 99% of the way to being a full-blown
object-oriented shared-buffer. I'm saying, adding the capacity will simply bring that
concept closer to completion.

IMHO
-Sid Sacek