What are the limitations of smart pointers in C++11?

What are the limitations of smart pointers in C++11?

Smart pointers in C++11, like std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr, help manage memory but have some limitations.

Can you explain the limitations in more detail?

Sure! One limitation is that smart pointers can introduce overhead due to reference counting in shared_ptr.

Are there any scenarios where using raw pointers is better?

Yes, in performance-critical scenarios or when you need to manage resources manually, raw pointers might be preferable.

What about circular references with shared_ptr?

Circular references can lead to memory leaks with shared_ptr, which is why weak_ptr is often used to break those cycles.