What are smart pointers in C++ and how do they work?

What are smart pointers in C++ and how do they work?

Smart pointers are objects that manage the lifetime of dynamically allocated memory. They automatically deallocate memory when it's no longer needed, helping to prevent memory leaks.

Can you explain the different types of smart pointers?

Sure! The main types of smart pointers in C++ are std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr, and std::weak_ptr. Each serves a different purpose in memory management.

What is the difference between std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr?

std::unique_ptr is a smart pointer that owns a dynamically allocated object exclusively, meaning no other pointer can point to it. std::shared_ptr, on the other hand, allows multiple pointers to share ownership of the same object.

When should I use std::weak_ptr?

You should use std::weak_ptr to break circular references between shared pointers. It allows you to reference an object without affecting its reference count.

Can you give an example of using smart pointers in a C++ program?

Certainly! 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;
}