What are some common usage scenarios for smart pointers in C++?

What are some common usage scenarios for smart pointers in C++?

Smart pointers in C++ are often used for resource management, particularly for dynamic memory allocation. Common scenarios include managing the lifetime of objects, avoiding memory leaks, and ensuring proper cleanup.

Can you explain the difference between unique_ptr and shared_ptr?

Certainly! unique_ptr is a smart pointer that owns a resource exclusively, meaning no two unique_ptrs can point to the same resource. In contrast, shared_ptr allows multiple pointers to share ownership of a resource, using reference counting to manage the resource's lifetime.

When should I use weak_ptr?

You should use weak_ptr to break circular references that can occur with shared_ptr. It allows you to reference an object managed by shared_ptr without increasing its reference count, thus preventing memory leaks.

Are there performance implications when using smart pointers?

Yes, there can be performance implications. unique_ptr is lightweight and has minimal overhead, while shared_ptr incurs additional overhead due to reference counting. It's important to choose the right smart pointer based on your performance needs.