A smart pointer is a kind of proxy for an object that is a) lite-weight in that the only data members are a pointer to the object when it is faulted in b) able to realize the interface on the object without bloating the declaration.
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There seems to be confusion that a smart pointer ISA reference counter. While SmartPointers can contain a reference count, the term "Smart" refers to the ability to realize the object (new, load) when needed.
Given that, the library will contain two (2) SmartPointer types:
1. The fundemental smart pointer type with virtual instantiation methods for the underlying object.
2. A derivation which enables reference counting on the underlying object.
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A smart pointer is a kind of proxy for an object that is a) lite-weight in that the only data members are a pointer to the object when it is faulted in b) able to realize the interface on the object without bloating the declaration.
The rally cry for SmartPointer is being taken up in the mailing list.
There seems to be confusion that a smart pointer ISA reference counter. While SmartPointers can contain a reference count, the term "Smart" refers to the ability to realize the object (new, load) when needed.
Given that, the library will contain two (2) SmartPointer types:
1. The fundemental smart pointer type with virtual instantiation methods for the underlying object.
2. A derivation which enables reference counting on the underlying object.