What are smart pointers in C++?

What are smart pointers in C++?

Smart pointers are objects that manage the lifetime of dynamically allocated memory, ensuring proper resource management.

How do they differ from regular pointers?

Unlike regular pointers, smart pointers automatically deallocate memory when they go out of scope, preventing memory leaks.

Can you explain the different types of smart pointers?

Sure! The main types are std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr, and std::weak_ptr, each serving different ownership models.

When should I use each type?

Use std::unique_ptr for exclusive ownership, std::shared_ptr for shared ownership, and std::weak_ptr to avoid circular references.