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

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

Using unique_ptr is a great way to manage dynamic memory in C++. Here are some best practices:

1. Always prefer unique_ptr over raw pointers for ownership management.
2. Use std::make_unique to create unique_ptr instances to avoid memory leaks.
3. Avoid using unique_ptr with arrays; use std::unique_ptr<T[]> instead.

Can you explain why std::make_unique is preferred?

Certainly! std::make_unique simplifies memory allocation and ensures that the unique_ptr is properly initialized. It also prevents potential memory leaks that can occur if you forget to use 'new' correctly.

What happens if I try to copy a unique_ptr?

If you try to copy a unique_ptr, it will result in a compilation error because unique_ptr is designed to be non-copyable. This ensures that there is a single owner of the resource.

Are there any performance implications of using unique_ptr?

Generally, unique_ptr has minimal overhead compared to raw pointers. It provides automatic memory management without the performance cost of reference counting, as seen in shared_ptr.