CODEWITHSUNDEEP
c++boostshared-ptr
DuckQueen
DuckQueen

Reputation: 800

How to deep copy full object behind boost::shared_ptr<T> into shared_ptr pointing to new location?

How to copy full object behind boost::shared_ptr<T>: are there memcopy options (just create memory clone), or we shall create copy constructor?

Upvotes: 5

Views: 5814

Answers (3)

Johan R&#229;de
Johan R&#229;de

Reputation: 21408

If you know the exact type of the object, then you should use a copy constructor or copy assignment operator.

If the objects is an instance of a class in an inheritance hierarchy, and you do not know the exact type of the object, then you should use a virtual clone function.

Upvotes: 1

Kiril Kirov
Kiril Kirov

Reputation: 38173

You need a copy constructor or an operator= that will perform the deep copy.

boost::shared_ptr cannot know your object's structure to do this for you. Neither can a "memory clone" operation.

Of course, this is only for objects, that need an explicitly defined copy constructor / operator= and the "trivial" ones make a shallow copy.

Upvotes: 1

Shoe
Shoe

Reputation: 76240

You should create a copy constructor and write something like:

ptr.reset(new T);
*ptr  = *(otherObject.ptr);

in order to deep copy the pointer.

Upvotes: 0

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