What are the best practices for using shared_ptr in C++?

What are the best practices for using shared_ptr in C++?

When using shared_ptr, always prefer to use it over raw pointers for better memory management. Avoid circular references by using weak_ptr when necessary.

Can you explain how to avoid circular references?

To avoid circular references, use weak_ptr for one of the pointers in a circular relationship. This way, the reference count won't prevent the objects from being deleted.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, shared_ptr has some overhead due to reference counting. If performance is critical, consider using unique_ptr or raw pointers when appropriate.

What about thread safety with shared_ptr?

shared_ptr is thread-safe for different instances, but the same shared_ptr instance should not be accessed from multiple threads simultaneously without proper synchronization.