When should I use unique pointers vs shared pointers in C++?

Can you explain the difference between unique pointers and shared pointers in C++?

Sure! Unique pointers are owned by a single owner and cannot be copied, while shared pointers can be shared among multiple owners.

When would I choose to use a unique pointer over a shared pointer?

You should use a unique pointer when you want sole ownership of an object and want to ensure it is deleted when it goes out of scope.

Are there any performance implications when using shared pointers?

Yes, shared pointers have some overhead due to reference counting, which can impact performance compared to unique pointers.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Certainly! Use a unique pointer for managing resources like file handles, and a shared pointer for objects that need to be accessed by multiple parts of your program.