What are the benefits of using shared pointers in C++?

What are the benefits of using shared pointers in C++?

Shared pointers in C++ help manage memory automatically, preventing memory leaks and dangling pointers.

How do shared pointers differ from raw pointers?

Unlike raw pointers, shared pointers keep track of how many pointers point to the same object, ensuring safe memory management.

Can you give an example of when to use shared pointers?

Use shared pointers when you need multiple owners for a resource, like in a graph structure or when passing objects between functions.

Are there any downsides to using shared pointers?

Yes, shared pointers can introduce overhead due to reference counting and may lead to circular references if not managed properly.