What are some advanced techniques for using smart pointers in C++?

What are some advanced techniques for using smart pointers in C++?

Advanced techniques for smart pointers include using custom deleters, shared pointers with weak pointers, and implementing move semantics.

Can you explain how to use custom deleters with smart pointers?

Sure! You can specify a custom deleter when creating a std::shared_ptr or std::unique_ptr by passing a function or a lambda that defines how the resource should be released.

What are weak pointers and when should I use them?

Weak pointers (std::weak_ptr) are used to break circular references in shared pointers. They allow you to observe an object managed by a std::shared_ptr without affecting its reference count.

How do move semantics improve performance with smart pointers?

Move semantics allow you to transfer ownership of resources without copying, which can significantly improve performance, especially with large objects.