This is not just a “how to use smart pointers” course — it’s a deep dive into the mechanics and design of modern C++ unique_ptr.
Memory management is one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — aspects of C++. While many developers learn how to use std::unique_ptr, few truly understand how it works under the hood. This course takes you on a step-by-step journey to implement a smart pointer from scratch, teaching you not just how to use modern C++ techniques, but why they matter.
We start with the core philosophy of RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization) and why it is the foundation of safe C++ programming. From there, you’ll write your own AutoPointer class and gradually evolve it into a unique_ptr clone, exploring concepts such as:
- RAII and deterministic destruction
- Ownership semantics and move-only types
- Implementing custom deleters
- make-functions (make_unique) and safe resource creation
- Empty Base Optimization (EBO) and how the standard library leverages it for efficiency
- Practical design trade-offs in real-world C++ libraries
By the end, you’ll will gain a deep mastery over the internal mechanics of smart pointers, become fluent in resource-safe C++ techniques, and leave with the ability to design powerful abstractions that blend safety, flexibility, and performance.
- Aspiring systems programmers who need strong control over memory management
- Computer science students looking to strengthen their foundation in C++
- Professionals working on performance-critical applications like games or embedded systems
- Engineers preparing for technical interviews with a focus on low-level programming
