What are advanced smart pointers in C++?

What are advanced smart pointers in C++?

Advanced smart pointers in C++ include std::shared_ptr, std::unique_ptr, and std::weak_ptr, which manage memory automatically.

Can you explain the difference between std::shared_ptr and std::unique_ptr?

Sure! std::unique_ptr owns its object exclusively, while std::shared_ptr allows multiple pointers to share ownership of the same object.

When should I use std::weak_ptr?

Use std::weak_ptr to break circular references in shared_ptr, preventing memory leaks by allowing temporary access without ownership.

Are there any performance considerations with using smart pointers?

Yes, smart pointers can introduce overhead due to reference counting in shared_ptr. Use unique_ptr when possible for better performance.

Can you give an example of using smart pointers in a C++ program?

Certainly! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <memory>

int main() {
    std::unique_ptr<int> ptr = std::make_unique<int>(10);
    std::cout << *ptr << std::endl;
    return 0;
}