What are the differences between std::shared_ptr and std::unique_ptr in C++?

Can you explain the differences between std::shared_ptr and std::unique_ptr in C++?

Sure! std::unique_ptr is a smart pointer that owns a dynamically allocated object exclusively, meaning no other pointer can own it. std::shared_ptr, on the other hand, allows multiple pointers to share ownership of the same object.

What happens when a std::shared_ptr goes out of scope?

When a std::shared_ptr goes out of scope, it decrements the reference count. If the count reaches zero, the managed object is deleted.

Can std::unique_ptr be copied?

No, std::unique_ptr cannot be copied. It can only be moved, which transfers ownership to another unique_ptr.

When should I use std::shared_ptr instead of std::unique_ptr?

Use std::shared_ptr when you need shared ownership of an object, such as in cases where multiple parts of your program need to access the same resource.