C++ Uses Destructors Instead of try...finally for Cleanup Code
By
ibobev
Crispy enough to crunch, soft enough to enjoy. A good bake.
Summary
The article explains how C++ handles cleanup code differently from other programming languages that have try...finally constructs. While languages like Java, C#, Python, and JavaScript use try...finally blocks to ensure code executes when control leaves a block, C++ uses destructors for this purpose. The article specifically mentions the Windows Implementation Library's wil::scope_exit function, which leverages C++'s destructor mechanism to execute cleanup code, effectively serving as C++'s version of finally blocks.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledMany languages that have exceptions also have a finally clause, so you can write try { ⟦ stuff ⟧ } finally { always(); }
C++ says, 'We have try…finally at home.'
In C++, the way to get a block of code to execute when control leaves a block is to put it in a destructor, because destructors run when control leaves a block.
This is the trick used by the Windows Implementation Library's wil::scope_exit function: The lambda you provide is placed inside a c
The destructor serves as the 'finally'.
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