Returning unique_ptr Ownership

Question

Problem: Returning unique_ptr Ownership. Solve this hands-on electronics task on EWskills.

Accepted Answer

#include 
#include 
#include 
using namespace std;

// Function creates and initializes the buffer,
// then transfers ownership to the caller.
unique_ptr createBuffer(int n) {
    unique_ptr buf(new uint8_t[n]);

    for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
        int temp;
        cin >> temp;
        buf[i] = static_cast(temp);
    }

    // Ownership moves to the caller via return value
    return buf;
}

int main() {
    int N;
    cin >> N;

    // main now owns the buffer
    unique_ptr buffer = createBuffer(N);

    for (int i = 0; i < N; i++) {
        cout << (int)buffer[i];
        if (i != N - 1) cout << " ";
    }
    cout << endl;

    return 0;
}

Explanation & Logic Summary:
The createBuffer function owns the buffer it creates. By returning a std::unique_ptr, ownership is transferred safely to the caller. No copying occurs, and no raw pointer is exposed. Cleanup is handled automatically when the unique_ptr in main goes out of scope. Numeric constraints ensure safe use of an 8-bit buffer.

Firmware Relevance & Real-World Context:
In firmware and embedded systems, memory ownership must be explicit to avoid leaks and undefined behavior. Using std::unique_ptr for ownership transfer mirrors real-world driver, HAL, and subsystem boundaries where one module allocates a resource and another consumes it safely.

78. Returning unique_ptr Ownership