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That is in Microsoft's managed C++ called C++/CLI that is compiled for the CLR. It uses the ^ (hat) sigil, i.e. "int^" vs "int*".

Yeah, don't do much MS programming anymore. I expected something like this in boost.

This is a sensible next step for C++. I would only "cost" you if you used it. And would come in very handy in some situations.

It will never be called gc_ptr because C++ programmers have an allergy to the term GC. However, an attempt was made to implement a similar solution. Take a look at tracked_ptr: https://github.com/pebal/sgcl