What are the performance implications of using shared_ptr in C++?

What are the performance implications of using shared_ptr in C++?

Using shared_ptr can introduce overhead due to reference counting, which may impact performance in high-frequency scenarios.

How does shared_ptr compare to unique_ptr in terms of performance?

unique_ptr is generally more efficient than shared_ptr because it doesn't have the overhead of reference counting.

Are there specific scenarios where shared_ptr is preferred despite the performance cost?

Yes, shared_ptr is preferred in scenarios where ownership needs to be shared among multiple objects, like in complex data structures.

What are some best practices for using shared_ptr in C++?

Best practices include avoiding circular references, using weak_ptr for non-owning references, and minimizing shared_ptr usage in performance-critical code.