What are some common usage scenarios for shared_ptr in C++?

What are some common usage scenarios for shared_ptr in C++?

Shared pointers are often used in scenarios where multiple owners need to share the same resource, like in a tree structure or when passing objects between threads.

Can you give an example of using shared_ptr in a tree structure?

Sure! In a binary tree, each node can hold a shared_ptr to its left and right children, allowing multiple nodes to share ownership.

What are the advantages of using shared_ptr over raw pointers?

The main advantages include automatic memory management, preventing memory leaks, and simplifying ownership semantics.

Are there any performance concerns with using shared_ptr?

Yes, shared_ptr has some overhead due to reference counting, which can impact performance in high-frequency scenarios.