What is the difference between deep copy and shallow copy in C++?

What is the difference between deep copy and shallow copy in C++?

In C++, a shallow copy copies the object's immediate values, while a deep copy duplicates all objects it references.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! A shallow copy can be done using the default copy constructor, while a deep copy requires a custom copy constructor that allocates new memory for referenced objects.

Why would I need a deep copy instead of a shallow copy?

You need a deep copy when you want to ensure that changes to the copied object do not affect the original object, especially with dynamic memory.

Are there any performance implications between the two?

Yes, deep copies are generally slower and use more memory because they allocate new memory for all referenced objects.