Unique_Ptr Internal Implementation – A Practical Guide

Implementing Smart Pointers from Scratch: Building AutoPointer with Ownership, Efficiency, and Elegance

What you'll learn

Understand the fundamentals of memory management and ownership in C++

Build a custom AutoPointer class from scratch using modern C++ features

Learn how to handle resource deallocation using RAII

Dive into hands-on coding challenges that strengthen your understanding of smart pointers

Enhance code safety, efficiency, and readability with smart pointer patterns

Requirements

Basic knowledge of C++ syntax

Experience with object-oriented programming concepts

Familiarity with pointers and dynamic memory allocation

Description

Build Your Own unique_ptr: A Hands-On Guide to RAII and Smart PointersThis 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 destructionOwnership semantics and move-only typesImplementing custom deletersmake-functions (make_unique) and safe resource creationEmpty Base Optimization (EBO) and how the standard library leverages it for efficiencyPractical design trade-offs in real-world C++ librariesBy 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.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Resources

Lecture 2 RAII Idiom

Lecture 3 Introducing Document Class

Lecture 4 AutoPointer Class - I

Lecture 5 AutoPointer Class - II

Lecture 6 AutoPointer Class - III

Section 2: Improving AutoPtr Class

Lecture 7 AutoPointer Improvements (Move Semantics) - I

Lecture 8 AutoPointer Improvements (Requirements) - II

Lecture 9 AutoPointer Improvements (Overloaded Operators) - III

Lecture 10 AutoPointer Improvements (More Functions) - IV

Section 3: Custom Resource Management

Lecture 11 Managing File Pointers & Handles - I

Lecture 12 Managing File Pointers & Handles - II

Lecture 13 Deleter - I

Lecture 14 Deleter - II

Section 4: Improving Deleter

Lecture 15 Deleter Issues

Lecture 16 Empty Base Optimization

Lecture 17 EBO Implementation (Type Traits) - I

Lecture 18 EBO Implementation (Tuple) - II

Lecture 19 EBO Implementation (Attribute) - III

Section 5: AutoPointer Usage

Lecture 20 Parameter - I

Lecture 21 Parameter - II

Lecture 22 Dynamic Array - I

Lecture 23 Dynamic Array - II

Lecture 24 Make Function - I

Lecture 25 Make Function - II

Lecture 26 Make Function - III

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