How does memory management work in the C++ Standard Library?

How does memory management work in the C++ Standard Library?

The C++ Standard Library provides several tools for memory management, including smart pointers like std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr.

What are the advantages of using smart pointers over raw pointers?

Smart pointers help prevent memory leaks and dangling pointers by automatically managing the memory they own.

Can you explain the difference between std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr?

Sure! std::unique_ptr is for exclusive ownership, meaning only one unique_ptr can own a resource, while std::shared_ptr allows multiple pointers to share ownership.

When should I use std::weak_ptr?

Use std::weak_ptr to break circular references in shared_ptr, allowing for proper memory cleanup without ownership.