Compiler should generate virtual destructors

Article View: comp.std.c++

Article #1181

#1181

From: John MAX Skaller
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 05:01

22 lines
1287 bytes

I would like to propose that if a class has virtual functions,
then any destructor generated by the compiler will be virtual
by default.

(The suggestion was first read by me in a paper of Markku Sakkinen,
who claims it was not his idea originally either.)

Advantages: much safer, ensures correct deletion of objects
by default.  Removes a source of bugs. Removes the reminder
that its wise to do this from the FAQ.

Disadvantage: might slow down destruction a little. Can be
fixed by the programmer explicitly declaring a non-virtual
destructor.

Any comments?

-- 
;----------------------------------------------------------------------
        JOHN (MAX) SKALLER,         maxtal@extro.ucc.su.oz.au
	Maxtal Pty Ltd, 6 MacKay St ASHFIELD, NSW 2131, AUSTRALIA
;--------------- SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING SOFTWARE ------------------

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Newsgroups: comp.std.c++
Path: arc1-ca.pugleaf.net!sparky!uunet!munnari.oz.au!metro!extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU!maxtal
From: maxtal@extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU (John MAX Skaller)
Subject: Compiler should generate virtual destructors
Message-ID: <1992Dec31.050150.28929@ucc.su.OZ.AU>
Sender: news@ucc.su.OZ.AU
Nntp-Posting-Host: extro.ucc.su.oz.au
Organization: MAXTAL P/L C/- University Computing Centre, Sydney
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 05:01:50 GMT
Lines: 22