Boost :: ptr_vector vs. std :: vector <std :: unique_ptr <T>>?

Question

They do similar things.

What should be considered when choosing between them?

Under what circumstances is either preferred?

Answer 1

I would prefer std::vector<std::unique_ptr<T>> for several reasons:

• Security type - while this is pretty well abstracted for you in boost::ptr_vector , ptr_vector is still implemented in terms of std::vector<void*> .
• Clear user deletion support - I think you can get user deferral behavior using boost::ptr_vector , but when using std::unique_ptr support becomes more clear (and explicit).
• It is standard and well supported by compatible C ++ 11 compilers.