C++: What is the Rule of Zero in C++?

Rule of Zero — don't define any of the special functions. Use smart pointers and containers.

1#include <memory>
2#include <vector>
3
4class MyClass {
5private:
6    std::unique_ptr<int> data;
7    std::vector<int> items;
8
9public:
10    MyClass(int value) : data(std::make_unique<int>(value)) {}
11    // No destructor, copy, or move needed!
12    // All auto-generated correctly.
13};

Advantages:

• No manual memory management.
• Exception-safe.
• Less code, fewer bugs.
• Compiler-generated functions are optimal.

Best practice:

• Prefer Rule of Zero.
• Use std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr.
• Use STL containers.