What are circular references in the C++ standard library?

What are circular references in the C++ standard library?

Circular references occur when two or more objects reference each other, creating a loop. In C++, this can lead to memory leaks if not managed properly.

Can you give me an example of circular references in C++?

Sure! Consider two classes, A and B, where A holds a pointer to B and B holds a pointer to A. This creates a circular reference.

How can I avoid circular references in my code?

You can use smart pointers like std::weak_ptr to break the cycle, allowing one reference to not contribute to the reference count.

What are the implications of circular references on memory management?

Circular references can prevent objects from being deallocated, leading to memory leaks. Proper management is crucial to avoid this.