What are the differences in memory management between structs and classes in C++?

What are the differences in memory management between structs and classes in C++?

In C++, structs and classes are similar, but they differ in default access levels and memory management. Structs have public access by default, while classes have private access. When it comes to memory management, both can be allocated on the stack or heap, but classes often use constructors and destructors for resource management.

Can you explain how constructors and destructors work in classes?

Sure! Constructors are special member functions that are called when an object is created. They can initialize member variables. Destructors, on the other hand, are called when an object is destroyed, allowing you to free resources or perform cleanup tasks.

Do structs have constructors and destructors too?

Yes, structs can have constructors and destructors in C++. They work the same way as in classes, allowing you to initialize and clean up resources.

What about memory leaks? How can I avoid them?

To avoid memory leaks, always ensure that every new has a corresponding delete. Using smart pointers like std::unique_ptr or std::shared_ptr can also help manage memory automatically.