What is the difference between RAII and manual memory management in C++?

What is the difference between RAII and manual memory management in C++?

RAII stands for Resource Acquisition Is Initialization. It ensures that resources are properly released when objects go out of scope, while manual memory management requires the programmer to explicitly allocate and deallocate memory.

Can you give me an example of RAII in C++?

Sure! A common example is using smart pointers like std::unique_ptr or std::shared_ptr. They automatically manage memory, releasing it when they go out of scope.

What are the advantages of using RAII over manual memory management?

RAII reduces the risk of memory leaks and dangling pointers, simplifies code, and makes resource management more predictable.

Are there any downsides to using RAII?

One downside is that it can introduce overhead due to the additional layer of abstraction, and it may not be suitable for all performance-critical applications.