C++ assignment operator - compiler generated or custom?

Question

I have a medium complex C++ class which holds a set of data read from disc. It contains an eclectic mix of floats, ints and structures and is now in general use. During a m

Answer 1

If the compiler isn't generating the assignment properly, then you have bigger problems to worry about than implementing the assignment overload (like the fact that you have a broken compiler). Unless your class contains pointers, it is not necessary to provide your own overload; however, it is reasonable to request an explicit overload, not because the compiler might break (which is absurd), but rather to document your intention that assignment be permitted and behave in that manner. In C++0x, it will be possible to document intent and save time by using = default for the compiler-generated version.