Re: [Boost-users] scoped_ptr::release (again)

Subject: Re: [Boost-users] scoped_ptr::release (again)
From: Thorsten Ottosen (thorsten.ottosen_at_[hidden])
Date: 2009-02-21 02:57:21

Yang Zhang skrev:
>  From http://www.boost.org/doc/libs/1_36_0/libs/smart_ptr/scoped_ptr.htm:
> 
> "If scoped_ptr had a release() member, it would become possible to 
> transfer ownership of the held pointer, weakening its role as a way of 
> limiting resource lifetime to a given context. Use std::auto_ptr where 
> transfer of ownership is required. (supplied by Dave Abrahams)"
> 
> But there already is a way to escape the scope, via swap().
> 
> Would it make more sense to just provide release() and have users 
> specify const if they want?  (const scoped_ptr/scoped_array would 
> effectively disallow swapping/releasing.)

FWIW, I think scoped_ptr/scoped_array should have a release() member. 
The defining aspects of std::auto_ptr is its ability to transfer 
ownership transparently, not that it has a release member.

Especially when working with legacy code, release() is necessary. 
Therefore it is a great pity that the member is not provided.
In my view this categorises as over-encapsulation.

best regards

Thorsten