What are the best practices for using smart pointers in C++11?

What are the best practices for using smart pointers in C++11?

In C++11, it's recommended to use std::unique_ptr for exclusive ownership, std::shared_ptr for shared ownership, and std::weak_ptr to avoid circular references. Always prefer unique_ptr when possible for better performance.

Can you explain the difference between unique_ptr and shared_ptr?

Certainly! std::unique_ptr provides exclusive ownership of an object, meaning only one unique_ptr can own it at a time. std::shared_ptr, on the other hand, allows multiple pointers to share ownership of the same object, using reference counting to manage the object's lifetime.

When should I use weak_ptr?

You should use std::weak_ptr when you want to reference an object managed by shared_ptr without affecting its reference count. This is particularly useful to prevent circular references that can lead to memory leaks.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, unique_ptr is generally more efficient than shared_ptr because it doesn't involve reference counting. Use shared_ptr only when you need shared ownership, as it incurs overhead due to the reference counting mechanism.