com::ptr Class

Article
12/07/2021

A wrapper for a COM object that can be used as a member of a CLR class. The wrapper also automates lifetime management of the COM object, releasing all owned references on the object when its destructor is called. Analogous to CComPtr class.

Syntax

template<class _interface_type>
ref class ptr;

Parameters

_interface_type
COM interface.

Remarks

A com::ptr can also be used as a local function variable to simplify various COM tasks and to automate lifetime management.

A com::ptr can't be used directly as a function parameter; use a Tracking reference operator or a Handle to object operator (^) instead.

A com::ptr can't be directly returned from a function; use a handle instead.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. Calling the public methods of the class results in calls to the contained IXMLDOMDocument object. The sample creates an instance of an XML document, fills it with some simple XML, and does a simplified walk of the nodes in the parsed document tree to print the XML to the console.

// comptr.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   void LoadXml(String^ xml) {
      pin_ptr<const wchar_t> pinnedXml = PtrToStringChars(xml);
      BSTR bstr = NULL;

      try {
         // load some XML into the document
         bstr = ::SysAllocString(pinnedXml);
         if (NULL == bstr) {
            throw gcnew OutOfMemoryException;
         }
         VARIANT_BOOL bIsSuccessful = false;
         // use operator -> to call IXMODOMDocument member function
         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(m_ptrDoc->loadXML(bstr, &bIsSuccessful));
      }
      finally {
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
      }
   }

   // simplified function to write just the first xml node to the console
   void WriteXml() {
      IXMLDOMNode* pNode = NULL;

      try {
         // the first child of the document is the first real xml node
         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(m_ptrDoc->get_firstChild(&pNode));
         if (NULL != pNode) {
            WriteNode(pNode);
         }
      }
      finally {
         if (NULL != pNode) {
            pNode->Release();
         }
      }
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   // simplified function that only writes the node
   void WriteNode(IXMLDOMNode* pNode) {
      BSTR bstr = NULL;

      try {
         // write out the name and text properties
         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(pNode->get_nodeName(&bstr));
         String^ strName = gcnew String(bstr);
         Console::Write("<{0}>", strName);
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
         bstr = NULL;

         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(pNode->get_text(&bstr));
         Console::Write(gcnew String(bstr));
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
         bstr = NULL;

         Console::WriteLine("</{0}>", strName);
      }
      finally {
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
      }
   }

   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      // stream some xml into the document
      doc.LoadXml("<word>persnickety</word>");

      // write the document to the console
      doc.WriteXml();
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
}

<word>persnickety</word>

Members

Public constructors

Name	Description
ptr::ptr	Constructs a `com::ptr` to wrap a COM object.
ptr::~ptr	Destructs a `com::ptr`.

Public methods

Name	Description
ptr::Attach	Attaches a COM object to a `com::ptr`.
ptr::CreateInstance	Creates an instance of a COM object within a `com::ptr`.
ptr::Detach	Gives up ownership of the COM object, returning a pointer to the object.
ptr::GetInterface	Creates an instance of a COM object within a `com::ptr`.
ptr::QueryInterface	Queries the owned COM object for an interface and attaches the result to another `com::ptr`.
ptr::Release	Releases all owned references on the COM object.

Public operators

Name	Description
`ptr::operator->`	Member access operator, used to call methods on the owned COM object.
ptr::operator=	Attaches a COM object to a `com::ptr`.
ptr::operator bool	Operator for using `com::ptr` in a conditional expression.
ptr::operator!	Operator to determine if the owned COM object is invalid.

Requirements

Header file <msclr\com\ptr.h>

Namespace msclr::com

ptr::ptr

Returns a pointer to the owned COM object.

ptr();
ptr(
   _interface_type * p
);

Parameters

P
A COM interface pointer.

Remarks

The no-argument constructor assigns nullptr to the underlying object handle. Future calls to the com::ptr will validate the internal object and silently fail until an object is created or attached.

The one-argument constructor adds a reference to the COM object but doesn't release the caller's reference, so the caller must call Release on the COM object to truly give up control. When the com::ptr's destructor is called it will automatically release its references on the COM object.

Passing NULL to this constructor is the same as calling the no-argument version.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. It demonstrates usage of both versions of the constructor.

// comptr_ptr.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   // construct the internal com::ptr with a COM object
   XmlDocument(IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc) : m_ptrDoc(pDoc) {}

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;

   try {
      // create an XML DOM document object
      Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(CoCreateInstance(CLSID_DOMDocument30, NULL,
         CLSCTX_ALL, IID_IXMLDOMDocument, (void**)&pDoc));
      // construct the ref class with the COM object
      XmlDocument doc1(pDoc);

      // or create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc2("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");
   }
   // doc1 and doc2 destructors are called when they go out of scope
   // and the internal com::ptr releases its reference to the COM object
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
   finally {
      if (NULL != pDoc) {
         pDoc->Release();
      }
   }
}

ptr::~ptr

Destructs a com::ptr.

~ptr();

Remarks

On destruction, the com::ptr releases all references it owns to its COM object. Assuming that there are no other references held to the COM object, the COM object will be deleted and its memory freed.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. In the main function, the two XmlDocument objects' destructors will be called when they go out of the scope of the try block, resulting in the underlying com::ptr destructor being called, releasing all owned references to the COM object.

// comptr_dtor.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   // construct the internal com::ptr with a COM object
   XmlDocument(IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc) : m_ptrDoc(pDoc) {}

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;

   try {
      // create an XML DOM document object
      Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(CoCreateInstance(CLSID_DOMDocument30, NULL,
         CLSCTX_ALL, IID_IXMLDOMDocument, (void**)&pDoc));
      // construct the ref class with the COM object
      XmlDocument doc1(pDoc);

      // or create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc2("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");
   }
   // doc1 and doc2 destructors are called when they go out of scope
   // and the internal com::ptr releases its reference to the COM object
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
   finally {
      if (NULL != pDoc) {
         pDoc->Release();
      }
   }
}

ptr::Attach

Attaches a COM object to a com::ptr.

void Attach(
   _interface_type * _right
);

Parameters

_right
The COM interface pointer to attach.

Exceptions

If the com::ptr already owns a reference to a COM object, Attach throws InvalidOperationException.

Remarks

A call to Attach references the COM object but doesn't release the caller's reference to it.

Passing NULL to Attach results in no action being taken.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The ReplaceDocument member function first calls Release on any previously owned object and then calls Attach to attach a new document object.

// comptr_attach.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   // replace currently held COM object with another one
   void ReplaceDocument(IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc) {
      // release current document object
      m_ptrDoc.Release();
      // attach the new document object
      m_ptrDoc.Attach(pDoc);
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// unmanaged function that creates a raw XML DOM Document object
IXMLDOMDocument* CreateDocument() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;
   Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(CoCreateInstance(CLSID_DOMDocument30, NULL,
      CLSCTX_INPROC_SERVER, IID_IXMLDOMDocument, (void**)&pDoc));
   return pDoc;
}

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;

   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      // get another document object from unmanaged function and
      // store it in place of the one held by our ref class
      pDoc = CreateDocument();
      doc.ReplaceDocument(pDoc);
      // no further need for raw object reference
      pDoc->Release();
      pDoc = NULL;
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
   finally {
      if (NULL != pDoc) {
         pDoc->Release();
      }
   }
}

ptr::CreateInstance

Creates an instance of a COM object within a com::ptr.

void CreateInstance(
   System::String ^ progid,
   LPUNKNOWN pouter,
   DWORD cls_context
);
void CreateInstance(
   System::String ^ progid,
   LPUNKNOWN pouter
);
void CreateInstance(
   System::String ^ progid
);
void CreateInstance(
   const wchar_t * progid,
   LPUNKNOWN pouter,
   DWORD cls_context
);
void CreateInstance(
   const wchar_t * progid,
   LPUNKNOWN pouter
);
void CreateInstance(
   const wchar_t * progid
);
void CreateInstance(
   REFCLSID rclsid,
   LPUNKNOWN pouter,
   DWORD cls_context
);
void CreateInstance(
   REFCLSID rclsid,
   LPUNKNOWN pouter
);
void CreateInstance(
   REFCLSID rclsid
);

Parameters

progid
A ProgID string.

pouter
Pointer to the aggregate object's IUnknown interface (the controlling IUnknown). If pouter isn't specified, NULL is used.

cls_context
Context in which the code that manages the newly created object will run. The values are taken from the CLSCTX enumeration. If cls_context isn't specified, the value CLSCTX_ALL is used.

rclsid
CLSID associated with the data and code that will be used to create the object.

Exceptions

If the com::ptr already owns a reference to a COM object, CreateInstance throws InvalidOperationException.

This function calls CoCreateInstance and uses ThrowExceptionForHR to convert any error HRESULT to an appropriate exception.

Remarks

CreateInstance uses CoCreateInstance to create a new instance of the specified object, identified either from a ProgID or a CLSID. The com::ptr references the newly created object and will automatically release all owned references upon destruction.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The class constructors use two different forms of CreateInstance to create the document object either from a ProgID or from a CLSID plus a CLSCTX.

// comptr_createinstance.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }
   XmlDocument(REFCLSID clsid, DWORD clsctx) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(clsid, NULL, clsctx);
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc1("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      // or from a clsid with specific CLSCTX
      XmlDocument doc2(CLSID_DOMDocument30, CLSCTX_INPROC_SERVER);
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
}

ptr::Detach

Gives up ownership of the COM object, returning a pointer to the object.

_interface_type * Detach();

Return value

The pointer to the COM object.

If no object is owned, NULL is returned.

Exceptions

Internally, QueryInterface is called on the owned COM object and any error HRESULT is converted to an exception by ThrowExceptionForHR.

Remarks

Detach first adds a reference to the COM object on behalf of the caller and then releases all references owned by the com::ptr. The caller must ultimately release the returned object to destroy it.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The DetachDocument member function calls Detach to give up ownership of the COM object and return a pointer to the caller.

// comptr_detach.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   // detach the COM object and return it
   // this releases the internal reference to the object
   IXMLDOMDocument* DetachDocument() {
      return m_ptrDoc.Detach();
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// unmanaged function that loads XML into a raw XML DOM Document object
HRESULT LoadXml(IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc, BSTR bstrXml) {
   HRESULT hr = S_OK;
   VARIANT_BOOL bSuccess;
   hr = pDoc->loadXML(bstrXml, &bSuccess);
   if (S_OK == hr && !bSuccess) {
      hr = E_FAIL;
   }
   return hr;
}

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;
   BSTR bstrXml = NULL;

   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      bstrXml = ::SysAllocString(L"<word>persnickety</word>");
      if (NULL == bstrXml) {
         throw gcnew OutOfMemoryException("bstrXml");
      }
      // detach the document object from the ref class
      pDoc = doc.DetachDocument();
      // use unmanaged function and raw object to load xml
      Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(LoadXml(pDoc, bstrXml));
      // release document object as the ref class no longer owns it
      pDoc->Release();
      pDoc = NULL;
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
   finally {
      if (NULL != pDoc) {
         pDoc->Release();
      }

   }
}

ptr::GetInterface

Returns a pointer to the owned COM object.

_interface_type * GetInterface();

Return value

A pointer to the owned COM object.

Exceptions

Internally, QueryInterface is called on the owned COM object and any error HRESULT is converted to an exception by ThrowExceptionForHR.

Remarks

The com::ptr adds a reference to the COM object on the caller's behalf and also keeps its own reference on the COM object. The caller must ultimately release the reference on the returned object or it will never be destroyed.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The GetDocument member function uses GetInterface to return a pointer to the COM object.

// comptr_getinterface.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   // add a reference to and return the COM object
   // but keep an internal reference to the object
   IXMLDOMDocument* GetDocument() {
      return m_ptrDoc.GetInterface();
   }

   // simplified function that only writes the first node
   void WriteDocument() {
      IXMLDOMNode* pNode = NULL;
      BSTR bstr = NULL;

      try {
         // use operator -> to call XML Doc member
         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(m_ptrDoc->get_firstChild(&pNode));
         if (NULL != pNode) {
            // write out the xml
            Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(pNode->get_nodeName(&bstr));
            String^ strName = gcnew String(bstr);
            Console::Write("<{0}>", strName);
            ::SysFreeString(bstr);
            bstr = NULL;

            Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(pNode->get_text(&bstr));
            Console::Write(gcnew String(bstr));
            ::SysFreeString(bstr);
            bstr = NULL;

            Console::WriteLine("</{0}>", strName);
         }
      }
      finally {
         if (NULL != pNode) {
            pNode->Release();
         }
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
      }
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// unmanaged function that loads XML into a raw XML DOM Document object
HRESULT LoadXml(IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc, BSTR bstrXml) {
   HRESULT hr = S_OK;
   VARIANT_BOOL bSuccess;
   hr = pDoc->loadXML(bstrXml, &bSuccess);
   if (S_OK == hr && !bSuccess) {
      hr = E_FAIL;
   }
   return hr;
}

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;
   BSTR bstrXml = NULL;

   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      bstrXml = ::SysAllocString(L"<word>persnickety</word>");
      if (NULL == bstrXml) {
         throw gcnew OutOfMemoryException("bstrXml");
      }
      // detach the document object from the ref class
      pDoc = doc.GetDocument();
      // use unmanaged function and raw object to load xml
      Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(LoadXml(pDoc, bstrXml));
      // release reference to document object (but ref class still references it)
      pDoc->Release();
      pDoc = NULL;

      // call another function on the ref class
      doc.WriteDocument();
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
   finally {
      if (NULL != pDoc) {
         pDoc->Release();
      }

   }
}

<word>persnickety</word>

ptr::QueryInterface

Queries the owned COM object for an interface and attaches the result to another com::ptr.

template<class _other_type>
void QueryInterface(
   ptr<_other_type> % other
);

Parameters

other
The com::ptr that will get the interface.

Exceptions

Internally, QueryInterface is called on the owned COM object and any error HRESULT is converted to an exception by ThrowExceptionForHR.

Remarks

Use this method to create a COM wrapper for a different interface of the COM object owned by the current wrapper. This method calls QueryInterface through the owned COM object to request a pointer to a specific interface of the COM object and attaches the returned interface pointer to the passed-in com::ptr.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The WriteTopLevelNode member function uses QueryInterface to fill a local com::ptr with an IXMLDOMNode and then passes the com::ptr (by tracking reference) to a private member function that writes the node's name and text properties to the console.

// comptr_queryinterface.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   void LoadXml(String^ xml) {
      pin_ptr<const wchar_t> pinnedXml = PtrToStringChars(xml);
      BSTR bstr = NULL;

      try {
         // load some XML into our document
         bstr = ::SysAllocString(pinnedXml);
         if (NULL == bstr) {
            throw gcnew OutOfMemoryException;
         }
         VARIANT_BOOL bIsSuccessful = false;
         // use operator -> to call IXMODOMDocument member function
         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(m_ptrDoc->loadXML(bstr, &bIsSuccessful));
      }
      finally {
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
      }
   }

   // write the top level node to the console
   void WriteTopLevelNode() {
      com::ptr<IXMLDOMNode> ptrNode;

      // query for the top level node interface
      m_ptrDoc.QueryInterface(ptrNode);
      WriteNode(ptrNode);
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   // simplified function that only writes the node
   void WriteNode(com::ptr<IXMLDOMNode> % node) {
      BSTR bstr = NULL;

      try {
         // write out the name and text properties
         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(node->get_nodeName(&bstr));
         String^ strName = gcnew String(bstr);
         Console::Write("<{0}>", strName);
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
         bstr = NULL;

         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(node->get_text(&bstr));
         Console::Write(gcnew String(bstr));
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
         bstr = NULL;

         Console::WriteLine("</{0}>", strName);
      }
      finally {
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
      }
   }

   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      // stream some xml into the document
      doc.LoadXml("<word>persnickety</word>");

      // write the document to the console
      doc.WriteTopLevelNode();
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
}

<#document>persnickety</#document>

ptr::Release

Releases all owned references on the COM object.

void Release();

Remarks

Calling this function releases all owned references on the COM object and sets the internal handle to the COM object to nullptr. If no other references on the COM object exist, it will be destroyed.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The ReplaceDocument member function uses Release to release any prior document object before attaching the new document.

// comptr_release.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   // replace currently held COM object with another one
   void ReplaceDocument(IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc) {
      // release current document object
      m_ptrDoc.Release();
      // attach the new document object
      m_ptrDoc.Attach(pDoc);
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// unmanaged function that creates a raw XML DOM Document object
IXMLDOMDocument* CreateDocument() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;
   Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(CoCreateInstance(CLSID_DOMDocument30, NULL,
      CLSCTX_INPROC_SERVER, IID_IXMLDOMDocument, (void**)&pDoc));
   return pDoc;
}

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;

   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      // get another document object from unmanaged function and
      // store it in place of the one held by our ref class
      pDoc = CreateDocument();
      doc.ReplaceDocument(pDoc);
      // no further need for raw object reference
      pDoc->Release();
      pDoc = NULL;
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
   finally {
      if (NULL != pDoc) {
         pDoc->Release();
      }
   }
}

`ptr::operator->`

Member access operator, used to call methods on the owned COM object.

_detail::smart_com_ptr<_interface_type> operator->();

Return value

A smart_com_ptr to the COM object.

Exceptions

Internally, QueryInterface is called on the owned COM object and any error HRESULT is converted to an exception by ThrowExceptionForHR.

Remarks

This operator allows you to call methods of the owned COM object. It returns a temporary smart_com_ptr that automatically handles its own AddRef and Release.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The WriteDocument function uses operator-> to call the get_firstChild member of the document object.

// comptr_op_member.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   // add a reference to and return the COM object
   // but keep an internal reference to the object
   IXMLDOMDocument* GetDocument() {
      return m_ptrDoc.GetInterface();
   }

   // simplified function that only writes the first node
   void WriteDocument() {
      IXMLDOMNode* pNode = NULL;
      BSTR bstr = NULL;

      try {
         // use operator -> to call XML Doc member
         Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(m_ptrDoc->get_firstChild(&pNode));
         if (NULL != pNode) {
            // write out the xml
            Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(pNode->get_nodeName(&bstr));
            String^ strName = gcnew String(bstr);
            Console::Write("<{0}>", strName);
            ::SysFreeString(bstr);
            bstr = NULL;

            Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(pNode->get_text(&bstr));
            Console::Write(gcnew String(bstr));
            ::SysFreeString(bstr);
            bstr = NULL;

            Console::WriteLine("</{0}>", strName);
         }
      }
      finally {
         if (NULL != pNode) {
            pNode->Release();
         }
         ::SysFreeString(bstr);
      }
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// unmanaged function that loads XML into a raw XML DOM Document object
HRESULT LoadXml(IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc, BSTR bstrXml) {
   HRESULT hr = S_OK;
   VARIANT_BOOL bSuccess;
   hr = pDoc->loadXML(bstrXml, &bSuccess);
   if (S_OK == hr && !bSuccess) {
      hr = E_FAIL;
   }
   return hr;
}

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;
   BSTR bstrXml = NULL;

   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      bstrXml = ::SysAllocString(L"<word>persnickety</word>");
      if (NULL == bstrXml) {
         throw gcnew OutOfMemoryException("bstrXml");
      }
      // detach the document object from the ref class
      pDoc = doc.GetDocument();
      // use unmanaged function and raw object to load xml
      Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(LoadXml(pDoc, bstrXml));
      // release reference to document object (but ref class still references it)
      pDoc->Release();
      pDoc = NULL;

      // call another function on the ref class
      doc.WriteDocument();
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
   finally {
      if (NULL != pDoc) {
         pDoc->Release();
      }

   }
}

<word>persnickety</word>

ptr::operator=

Attaches a COM object to a com::ptr.

ptr<_interface_type> % operator=(
   _interface_type * _right
);

Parameters

_right
The COM interface pointer to attach.

Return value

A tracking reference on the com::ptr.

Exceptions

If the com::ptr already owns a reference to a COM object, operator= throws InvalidOperationException.

Remarks

Assigning a COM object to a com::ptr references the COM object but doesn't release the caller's reference to it.

This operator has the same effect as Attach.

Example

// comptr_op_assign.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   // construct the internal com::ptr with a null interface
   // and use CreateInstance to fill it
   XmlDocument(String^ progid) {
      m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
   }

   // replace currently held COM object with another one
   void ReplaceDocument(IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc) {
      // release current document object
      m_ptrDoc.Release();
      // attach the new document object
      m_ptrDoc = pDoc;
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// unmanaged function that creates a raw XML DOM Document object
IXMLDOMDocument* CreateDocument() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;
   Marshal::ThrowExceptionForHR(CoCreateInstance(CLSID_DOMDocument30, NULL,
      CLSCTX_INPROC_SERVER, IID_IXMLDOMDocument, (void**)&pDoc));
   return pDoc;
}

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   IXMLDOMDocument* pDoc = NULL;

   try {
      // create the class from a progid string
      XmlDocument doc("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");

      // get another document object from unmanaged function and
      // store it in place of the one held by the ref class
      pDoc = CreateDocument();
      doc.ReplaceDocument(pDoc);
      // no further need for raw object reference
      pDoc->Release();
      pDoc = NULL;
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
   finally {
      if (NULL != pDoc) {
         pDoc->Release();
      }
   }
}

ptr::operator bool

Operator for using com::ptr in a conditional expression.

operator bool();

Return value

true if the owned COM object is valid; false otherwise.

Remarks

The owned COM object is valid if it's not nullptr.

This operator converts to _detail_class::_safe_bool which is safer than bool because it can't be converted to an integral type.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The CreateInstance member function uses operator bool after creating the new document object to determine if it's valid and writes to the console if it is.

// comptr_op_bool.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   void CreateInstance(String^ progid) {
      if (!m_ptrDoc) {
         m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
         if (m_ptrDoc) { // uses operator bool
            Console::WriteLine("DOM Document created.");
         }
      }
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   try {
      XmlDocument doc;
      // create the instance from a progid string
      doc.CreateInstance("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
}

DOM Document created.

ptr::operator!

Operator to determine if the owned COM object is invalid.

bool operator!();

Return value

true if the owned COM object is invalid; false otherwise.

Remarks

The owned COM object is valid if it's not nullptr.

Example

This example implements a CLR class that uses a com::ptr to wrap its private member IXMLDOMDocument object. The CreateInstance member function uses operator! to determine if a document object is already owned, and only creates a new instance if the object is invalid.

// comptr_op_not.cpp
// compile with: /clr /link msxml2.lib
#include <msxml2.h>
#include <msclr\com\ptr.h>

#import <msxml3.dll> raw_interfaces_only

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;
using namespace msclr;

// a ref class that uses a com::ptr to contain an
// IXMLDOMDocument object
ref class XmlDocument {
public:
   void CreateInstance(String^ progid) {
      if (!m_ptrDoc) {
         m_ptrDoc.CreateInstance(progid);
         if (m_ptrDoc) {
            Console::WriteLine("DOM Document created.");
         }
      }
   }

   // note that the destructor will call the com::ptr destructor
   // and automatically release the reference to the COM object

private:
   com::ptr<IXMLDOMDocument> m_ptrDoc;
};

// use the ref class to handle an XML DOM Document object
int main() {
   try {
      XmlDocument doc;
      // create the instance from a progid string
      doc.CreateInstance("Msxml2.DOMDocument.3.0");
   }
   catch (Exception^ e) {
      Console::WriteLine(e);
   }
}

DOM Document created.

Share via

com::ptr Class

Syntax

Parameters

Remarks

Example

Members

Public constructors

Public methods

Public operators

Requirements

ptr::ptr

Parameters

Remarks

Example

ptr::~ptr

Remarks

Example

ptr::Attach

Parameters

Exceptions

Remarks

Example

ptr::CreateInstance

Parameters

Exceptions

Remarks

Example

ptr::Detach

Return value

Exceptions

Remarks

Example

ptr::GetInterface

Return value

Exceptions

Remarks

Example

ptr::QueryInterface

Parameters

Exceptions

Remarks

Example

ptr::Release

Remarks

Example

ptr::operator->

Return value

Exceptions

Remarks

Example

ptr::operator=

Parameters

Return value

Exceptions

Remarks

Example

ptr::operator bool

Return value

Remarks

Example

ptr::operator!

Return value

Remarks

Example

Feedback

Additional resources

`ptr::operator->`