Re: When using Glib::RefPtr<> and when Pointer?

[Hubert Figuiere <hub figuiere net>]

On 04/20/2009 05:13 PM, Andreas Volz wrote:
> I'm a little confused about the Glib::RefPtr<>  usage in gtkmm.
>
> For some returns are used smart pointers and for some normal pointers.
> e.g.:
>
> Gtk::ComboBox:
> Glib::RefPtr<TreeModel>  	get_model ()
>
> but
>
> Gtk::Bin:
> Widget* 	get_child ()
>
> So why is a smart pointer used for get_model(), but not for
> get_child(). Is there a reason behind? Could someone please explain
> this?

get_child() return the widget that belongs to the other widget. There is 
not transfert of ownership. The only reason it return a pointer and not 
a reference is because it can be  NULL.



Hub