What is a shared_ptr in C++11?

What is a shared_ptr in C++11?

A shared_ptr is a smart pointer in C++11 that manages the lifetime of an object through reference counting.

How does reference counting work with shared_ptr?

Reference counting keeps track of how many shared_ptr instances point to the same object. When the count reaches zero, the object is deleted.

Can you give an example of using shared_ptr?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <memory>

int main() {
    std::shared_ptr<int> ptr1 = std::make_shared<int>(10);
    std::shared_ptr<int> ptr2 = ptr1; // ptr2 now shares ownership of the integer
}

What are the advantages of using shared_ptr over raw pointers?

The advantages include automatic memory management, prevention of memory leaks, and easier sharing of ownership.