# std::auto_ptr

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< cpp‎ | memory

Defined in header `<memory>` |  |
template< class T > class auto_ptr; | (1) | (deprecated in C++11) (removed in C++17)
template<> class auto_ptr<void>; | (2) | (deprecated in C++11) (removed in C++17)

`auto_ptr` is a smart pointer that manages an object obtained via new expression and deletes that object when `auto_ptr` itself is destroyed. It may be used to provide exception safety for dynamically allocated objects, for passing ownership of dynamically allocated objects into functions and for returning dynamically allocated objects from functions.

Copying an `auto_ptr` copies the pointer and transfers ownership to the destination: both copy construction and copy assignment of `auto_ptr` modify their right-hand arguments, and the "copy" is not equal to the original. Because of these unusual copy semantics, `auto_ptr` may not be placed in standard containers. std::unique_ptr is preferred for this and other uses.(since C++11)

2) Specialization for type void is provided, it declares the typedef `element_type`, but no member functions.

An additional class template `auto_ptr_ref` is referred to throughout the documentation. It is an implementation-defined type that holds a reference to `auto_ptr`. The implementation is allowed to provide the template with a different name or implement the functions returning it or accepting it as parameter in other ways.

### Member types

Member type | Definition
element_type | T

### Member functions

(constructor) | creates a new `auto_ptr` (public member function)
(destructor) | destroys an `auto_ptr` and the managed object (public member function)
operator= | transfers ownership from another `auto_ptr` (public member function)
operator auto_ptr<Y>operator auto_ptr_ref<Y> | converts the managed pointer to a pointer to different type (public member function)

##### Observers

get | returns a pointer to the managed object (public member function)
operator*operator-> | accesses the managed object (public member function)

##### Modifiers

reset | replaces the managed object (public member function)
release | releases ownership of the managed object (public member function)

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