pointers - Enforce NULL checking in c++ -

my method can return kind of pointer ( example boost::shared_ptr ) , pointer may null. there way enforce users of code check, if empty or not ?

some example of such things - scals's option container, may boost has boost::option ?

you can following:

• return smart pointer type throws exception if accessed , set null.
• throw exception instead of returning null pointer
• return std::optional (or boost::optional) expresses intent (i.e. "value may missing") better pointer