Should I assign or reset a unique_ptr?
c++, c++11, smart-pointers, unique-ptr
Solution
From the docs of `unique_ptr`'s `operator=`:
Transfers ownership of the object pointed to by r to *this as if by calling `reset(r.release())` followed by an assignment from `std::forward<E>(r.get_deleter())`.
And all you need of that is the `reset` call, so it's simpler to just call it directly
Problem
Given the common situation where the lifespan of an owned object is linked to its owner, I can use a unique pointer one of 2 ways . . It can be assigned: ``` class owner { std::unique_ptr<someObject> owned; public: owner() { owned=std::unique_ptr<someObject>(new someObject()); } }; ``` The reset method can be utilised: ``` class owner { std::unique_ptr<someObject> owned; public: owner() { owned.reset(new someObject()); } }; ``` In the interests of best practice, should I prefer one form over the other? EDIT: Sorry folks. I over simplified this. The heap allocation occurs in an initialise method and not in the ctor. Therefore, I cannot use initialiser lists.