How do I use shared pointers in C++?

How do I use shared pointers in C++?

Shared pointers in C++ are part of the Standard Library and help manage dynamic memory. You can use std::shared_ptr to create a shared ownership of an object.

Can you show me a simple example?

Sure! Here's a basic example:

#include <iostream>
#include <memory>

int main() {
    std::shared_ptr<int> ptr1 = std::make_shared<int>(10);
    std::shared_ptr<int> ptr2 = ptr1; // ptr2 shares ownership of the same integer
    std::cout << *ptr1 << " " << *ptr2 << std::endl; // Outputs: 10 10
    return 0;
}

What happens when the last shared pointer goes out of scope?

When the last shared_ptr that owns the object goes out of scope, the memory is automatically deallocated, preventing memory leaks.

Are there any downsides to using shared pointers?

Yes, while shared_ptr simplifies memory management, it can introduce overhead due to reference counting and may lead to circular references if not managed carefully.