Alternatives to boost::scoped_ptr in C++ 11

Question

We've just upgraded our compiler to VC++ 2013 which has support for C++ 11. Previously we've been using shared_ptr and scoped_ptr classes from Boost, but since that is all we've been using from Boost, we're looking to remove that dependency.

As far as I can tell, std::shared_ptrs are a drop-in replacement for boost::shared_ptrs, so that's (hopefully) easy.

However, what is the best replacement for Boost scoped_ptrs (if there is one)? Would it be unique_ptr?

(To be honest, even though I wrote the code, it was about 10 years ago, and I've forgotten what the purpose of using scoped_ptrs was... Maybe I was just "playing" with Boost, but as far as I can see a plain pointer would probably do in the cases I've examined).

Answer 1

Yes, scoped_ptr can and should be replaced with unique_ptr. They represent the same idea (unique ownership), but unique_ptr does it better, and allows transfer of ownership via move semantics. (scoped_ptr didn't because it wasn't possible in C++98)