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

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

Unique pointers in C++ provide automatic memory management, ensuring that memory is freed when the pointer goes out of scope.

How do they differ from raw pointers?

Unlike raw pointers, unique pointers cannot be copied, which prevents memory leaks and dangling pointers.

Can you give an example of when to use a unique pointer?

Sure! Use a unique pointer when you want to manage the lifetime of an object without sharing ownership, like in a factory function.

Are there any downsides to using unique pointers?

The main downside is that unique pointers cannot be shared, so if you need shared ownership, you should consider using shared pointers instead.