C++ release() function

C++ has a `release()` member function, but it's specifically associated with smart pointers in the standard library. Here's what you need to know:
Smart Pointers and release() Smart pointers are classes that help manage memory dynamically allocated with `new`. They automatically handle deleting the memory they manage when they go out of scope. The `release()` function is part of: * **`std::unique_ptr`: A smart pointer designed to have exclusive ownership of a dynamically allocated object. Purpose of release() The primary purpose of `release()` is to transfer ownership of the managed object from the `std::unique_ptr` to another entity (like a raw pointer) without deleting the object itself. Here's a basic example:

#include <memory>

int main() {
    std::unique_ptr<int> ptr(new int(5)); 
    int* raw_ptr = ptr.release();  // ptr no longer owns the memory  

    // Use raw_ptr here 
    
    delete raw_ptr;   // You must manually delete the memory now
}

Key Points:

• Caution: After calling `release()`, the `unique_ptr` no longer manages the memory. You're responsible for deleting it using `delete` when you're finished with the raw pointer.
• Use Cases: `release()` can be helpful when you need more control over the object's lifetime or when passing the ownership of the object to a function or library that expects raw pointers.

//elements returned to free store
void slist::release()
{
   while (h != 0)
      del();
}

slist::~slist()
{
   delete h;
}