What are unique pointers in C++ and how do I use them?

What are unique pointers in C++ and how do I use them?

Unique pointers are smart pointers that ensure a single ownership of a dynamically allocated object. They automatically deallocate the memory when they go out of scope.

Can you show me a simple example of how to create and use a unique pointer?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <memory>

int main() {
    std::unique_ptr<int> ptr = std::make_unique<int>(10);
    std::cout << *ptr << std::endl; // Outputs: 10
    return 0;
}

This creates a unique pointer to an integer initialized to 10.

What happens if I try to copy a unique pointer?

You cannot copy a unique pointer because it is designed to have exclusive ownership. If you try to copy it, you'll get a compilation error. You can, however, transfer ownership using std::move().

Are there any performance benefits to using unique pointers?

Yes, unique pointers can improve performance by eliminating the overhead of reference counting found in shared pointers. They also help prevent memory leaks by ensuring proper resource management.