From: Greg Colvin (greg_at_[hidden])
Date: 2001-01-10 10:39:11
From: William Kempf <sirwillard_at_[hidden]>
> --- In boost_at_[hidden], "Larry Evans" <jcampbell3_at_p...> wrote:
> > The testdriver code and output from solutions to both the circular
> > reference-counted pointer problem and to dangling references can be
> > found from the home following page:
> >
> > http://sites.netscape.net/cppljevansusa/homepage
I find only some main.cpp test programs, not the actual implementation?
You might take a look at the existing boost work I mention below and
tell us how your approach compares.
> > I've noticed there's some work being done in boost in this
> > area (http://www.egroups.com/files/boost/circ_ptr.zip). I
> > think I could contribute here, and I'm finishing up html file
> > describing the solution. Email me if your interested in
> > getting a copy when I'm done, or maybe I should just submit it
> > for review by boost?
>
> Again, from long experience with this problem in C++ I've grown the
> habit of just avoiding this problem by not using smart pointers in
> the cases where I've had circular references. I realize that this
> isn't always possible and that others will have different experiences
> here.
>
> That said, I would be very interested in a smart pointer that
> performed similarly to a full blown GC. In fact, I'd prefer this
> over a real GC. It would give me complete control when I needed it,
> including the use of RAII harnesses, while making it much simpler to
> program some constructs in which memory management is the hardest
> issue to deal with. So my personal vote would be for such a
> submission. I don't know if the circ_ptr in the vault qualifies, if
> what you have in mind should be considered instead, or if both have
> pros and cons and should both be considered/accepted.
The cyclic_ptr at www.boost.org/libs/smart_ptr/smarttest.zip
as described at www.boost.org/libs/smart_ptr/smarttests.htm
might fit your bill. It includes a weak_ptr as well. You
might also like www.egroups.com/files/boost/GarbageCollector/
And what is an RAII harness?