What are the performance implications of using smart pointers in C++?

What are the performance implications of using smart pointers in C++?

Smart pointers in C++ provide automatic memory management, but they can introduce some overhead compared to raw pointers.

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 has its own use cases and performance characteristics.

How does std::shared_ptr affect performance?

std::shared_ptr incurs overhead due to reference counting, which can lead to performance hits in multi-threaded scenarios.

Are there situations where using raw pointers is better?

Yes, in performance-critical sections where you need maximum speed and control, raw pointers can be more efficient.

What about memory leaks with smart pointers?

Smart pointers help prevent memory leaks, but circular references with std::shared_ptr can still lead to leaks if not managed properly.