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++ manage memory automatically, but they can introduce 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 serving different purposes.

How does std::shared_ptr affect performance?

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

Are there situations where using raw pointers is better?

Yes, in performance-critical sections where you need minimal overhead, raw pointers can be more efficient.

What about memory leaks with smart pointers?

Smart pointers help prevent memory leaks by automatically deallocating memory when no longer needed.