C++ Memory management

Question

I've learned in College that you always have to free your unused Objects but not how you actually do it. For example structuring your code right and so on. Are there any general rules on how to handle pointers in C++?

I'm currently not allowed to use boost. I have to stick to pure c++ because the framework I'm using forbids any use of generics.

Answer 1

I have worked with the embedded Symbian OS, which had an excellent system in place for this, based entirely on developer conventions.

1. Only one object will ever own a pointer. By default this is the creator.
2. Ownership can be passed on. To indicate passing of ownership, the object is passed as a pointer in the method signature (e.g. void Foo(Bar *zonk);).
3. The owner will decide when to delete the object.
4. To pass an object to a method just for use, the object is passed as a reference in the method signature (e.g. void Foo(Bat &zonk);).
5. Non-owner classes may store references (never pointers) to objects they are given only when they can be certain that the owner will not destroy it during use.

Basically, if a class simply uses something, it uses a reference. If a class owns something, it uses a pointer.

This worked beautifully and was a pleasure to use. Memory issues were very rare.