Resource Ownership in C++

Core idea

In modern C++, ownership should be explicit. This page is intentionally later in the sequence because memory management concepts make much more sense after the basic language flow already feels natural.

Revision points

• std::unique_ptr expresses exclusive ownership.
• std::shared_ptr is useful, but adds reference-counting overhead.
• Stack allocation is still the simplest path when lifetime is obvious.

#include <memory>

class Logger {
public:
  Logger() { /* open file */ }
  ~Logger() { /* close file */ }
};

int main() {
  auto logger = std::make_unique<Logger>();
}

What to remember

If ownership is unclear, bugs usually follow. Start by asking: who is responsible for cleanup?