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c++c++11memory-leaksshared-ptr

Reassign a shared pointer with operator = causes memory leak?

I have a basic question about shared pointers, in the next example code:

int main() {
 std::shared_ptr<int> sp;  // empty
 std::shared_ptr<int> sp2;
 sp.reset (new int);
 sp2.reset (new int);
 *sp=10;
 *sp2=400;
  sp2=sp;

 std::shared_ptr<int> sp3;
 sp3=sp1;
 //what happens with the int of value 400?
 //more code
}

what happens with the int of value 400? is this a memory leak? this is a basic example but if instead of int the pointers were pointing to a big class, then it would be problematic if there was a memory leak, and more if sp2 is reasigned more times. thanks!

Solution

  • After your edits, no there's no leaks. The memory allocated for the int with the value 400 will simply be deleted for you in the assignment.