Back when we still used boost::*_ptr, we just hacked boost to do this. It required about a half dozen or so mods to the boost headers, and we could turn it on and off for different types, as needed.
Now that we use std::*_ptr it's not quite so trivial to do since we do not vendor the C++ stdlib, but for those of using open source, this is still possible.
I think it offers more flexibility than the approach described in TFA.
> for those of using open source
That should be just about everybody. MSVC STL was open sourced several years ago, so you'd have to be working on something pretty obscure/old.
My advice is don't ever give anyone the idea you know how to debug reference counting memory issues (or really any kind of memory management issues).
You'll stay employed, but you won't like it.
But I also happen to like CBT, so I think this qill be fun!
Hire me! I can debug shared_ptr cycles and other leaks. I will bring my own build of valgrind, clamps, and a car battery!