Why should C++ programmers minimize use of ' new '?
Indeed, as C++ programmers, we should minimize the direct use of the keyword for dynamic memory allocation. This is due to several core reasons:1. Memory Management ComplexityDirect use of requires manual memory management, including proper use of for deallocation. This increases development complexity and can lead to errors such as memory leaks and double frees. For instance, if you forget to release memory allocated via , it remains unrecoverable, potentially causing the program's memory usage to grow indefinitely, known as a memory leak.2. Exception Safety IssuesIn C++, if an exception is thrown during the constructor call rather than caught after , the allocated memory is not automatically released, leading to memory leaks. For example, if you allocate an object array and the constructor throws an exception, previously constructed objects are not destroyed, resulting in complex memory management issues.3. Resource Management (RAII)C++ promotes the Resource Acquisition Is Initialization (RAII) principle, where resource lifetimes are managed through object lifetimes. Using smart pointers (such as and ) automatically manages memory; when the smart pointer object goes out of scope, it deletes the associated memory. This significantly simplifies memory management and exception handling.4. Standard Library ContainersC++'s standard library provides containers like and , which internally manage memory, avoiding direct use of . They offer flexible and efficient memory management, supporting automatic expansion and contraction of elements.5. Modern C++ PracticesSince C++11, the standard has strongly recommended using smart pointers and other resource management classes instead of raw pointers. This is because they provide safer resource management and reduce various errors associated with raw pointers.Example IllustrationSuppose we need to create an object array. Using raw pointers and might look like this:Using modern C++, we can do this:1. Memory Leak RiskAfter allocating memory with , the programmer must manually release it using at the appropriate time. If memory is not released, it leads to memory leaks. Memory leaks gradually consume system memory resources, potentially causing performance degradation or crashes in the program or system.Example:2. Management ComplexityManaging dynamic memory is more complex than static storage (e.g., automatic variables on the stack). Managing and requires careful attention, especially when exceptions are thrown or multiple return paths exist, where errors are easy to occur.Example:3. Performance Issuesand involve operating system memory management, which may be slower than stack memory (automatic allocation and deallocation). Frequent use of and in performance-critical applications can impact overall program performance.4. Modern C++ Resource ManagementModern C++ recommends using smart pointers like and for managing dynamic memory, which automatically release memory and reduce memory leak risks. Additionally, C++'s standard library provides containers like and , which internally manage memory, eliminating the need for direct usage.Example:ConclusionAlthough remains a necessary tool in C++—especially when explicit control over object lifetimes is required—leveraging modern C++ resource management tools and techniques can significantly reduce direct usage, enhancing code safety, maintainability, and performance. Opt for RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization), smart pointers, and standard library containers to simplify resource management and avoid common pitfalls.