Copy Semantics and Return Value Optimization

Learn how to control exactly how our objects get copied, and take advantage of copy elision and return value optimization (RVO)

Ryan McCombe
Updated
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Questions & Answers

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Unique Pointers and Copy Constructors
Why does the compiler generate an error when I try to define a copy constructor for a class containing a unique_ptr member?
The Rule of Five
I have heard about the "Rule of Five" in C++. What is it, and how does it relate to the Rule of Three mentioned in the lesson?
Copy Elision and Side Effects
What potential issues can arise if I include side effects (e.g., modifying global variables or performing I/O operations) in my copy constructor or destructor?
Copy-and-Swap Idiom
What is the copy-and-swap idiom, and how can it be used to implement the copy assignment operator?
Move Semantics
The lesson mentions that move semantics can be used to make classes more efficient. Can you briefly explain what move semantics are and how they differ from copy semantics?
Compiler Support for Copy Elision
Is copy elision guaranteed to happen in all cases where it is possible, or does it depend on the compiler and optimization settings?