What are the advantages of smart pointers over raw pointers?

What are the advantages of smart pointers over raw pointers?

Smart pointers manage memory automatically, reducing the risk of memory leaks and dangling pointers.

Can you explain how smart pointers prevent memory leaks?

Sure! Smart pointers automatically deallocate memory when they go out of scope, ensuring no memory is left unreleased.

What types of smart pointers are there?

The main types are std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr, and std::weak_ptr, each serving different ownership needs.

Are there any downsides to using smart pointers?

Yes, they can introduce some overhead and complexity, especially with shared pointers due to reference counting.

When should I use raw pointers instead of smart pointers?

Raw pointers can be used for non-owning references or in performance-critical sections where overhead is a concern.