INTERVIEW QUESTIONS PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES C++ DETAILS

Question: What is a smart pointer?

Answer: A smart pointer is an object that acts, looks and feels like a normal pointer but offers more functionality. In C++, smart pointers are implemented as template classes that encapsulate a pointer and override standard pointer operators. They have a number of advantages over regular pointers. They are guaranteed to be initialized as either null pointers or pointers to a heap object. Indirection through a nullpointer is checked. No delete is ever necessary. Objects are automatically freed when the last pointer to them has gone away. One significant problem with these smart pointers is that unlike regular pointers, they don't respect inheritance. Smart pointers are unattractive for polymorphic code. Given below is an example for the implementation of smart pointers.

Example:
template
class smart_pointer
{
public:
smart_pointer(); // makes a null pointer
smart_pointer(const X& x) // makes pointer to copy of x
X& operator *( );
const X& operator*( ) const;
X* operator->() const;
smart_pointer(const smart_pointer &);
const smart_pointer & operator =(const smart_pointer&);
~smart_pointer():
private:
//...
};
This class implement a smart pointer to an object of type X. The object itself is located on the heap. Here is how to use it:
smart_pointer p= employee("Harris",1333);
Like other overloaded operators, p will behave like a regular pointer,
cout<<*p;
p->raise_salary(0.5);

A smart pointer is an object that acts, looks and feels like a normal pointer but offers more functionality. In C++, smart pointers are implemented as template classes that encapsulate a pointer and override standard pointer operators. They have a number of advantages over regular pointers. They are guaranteed to be initialized as either null pointers or pointers to a heap object. Indirection through a nullpointer is checked. No delete is ever necessary. Objects are automatically freed when the last pointer to them has gone away. One significant problem with these smart pointers is that unlike regular pointers, they don't respect inheritance. Smart pointers are unattractive for polymorphic code. Given below is an example for the implementation of smart pointers.

Example:
template
class smart_pointer
{
public:
smart_pointer(); // makes a null pointer
smart_pointer(const X& x) // makes pointer to copy of x
X& operator *( );
const X& operator*( ) const;
X* operator->() const;
smart_pointer(const smart_pointer &);
const smart_pointer & operator =(const smart_pointer&);
~smart_pointer():
private:
//...
};
This class implement a smart pointer to an object of type X. The object itself is located on the heap. Here is how to use it:
smart_pointer p= employee("Harris",1333);
Like other overloaded operators, p will behave like a regular pointer,
cout<<*p;
p->raise_salary(0.5); Source: CoolInterview.com

If you have the better answer, then send it to us. We will display your answer after the approval.

Rules to Post Answers in CoolInterview.com:-

• There should not be any Spelling Mistakes.
• There should not be any Gramatical Errors.
• Answers must not contain any bad words.
• Answers should not be the repeat of same answer, already approved.
• Answer should be complete in itself.

Name :*
Email Id :*
Answer :*
Verification Code	Not readable? Load New Code
Enter the above shown code: *
	Inform me about updated answers to this question