If a function returns a pointer to something .... who manages the memory?

If a function like c_str() returns a pointer, who is responsible for cleaning up the returned space at the end of the scope? The function that gave you the pointer or you?

It depends. In the case of c_str from std::string, the caller is not responsible.

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Originally Posted by bigc++

If a function like c_str() returns a pointer, who is responsible for cleaning up the returned space at the end of the scope? The function that gave you the pointer or you?

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You need to read the documentation re the specific function. In general, for a non-class function the caller is responsible and for a class function (eg c_str()) the caller is not responsible (destructor frees the memory). However, there are exceptions to this - it all depends upon the function specification! Also, in those cases when it is the callers responsibility to free the memory the documentation should specifiy how this is to be done - sometimes there are specific functions provided to free memory and these need to be used.