How do unique pointers affect performance in C++?

How do unique pointers affect performance in C++?

Unique pointers in C++ manage memory automatically, which can improve performance by reducing memory leaks and fragmentation.

Can you explain how they compare to raw pointers?

Unlike raw pointers, unique pointers ensure that there is only one owner of the memory, which simplifies memory management and can lead to better performance.

Are there any scenarios where using unique pointers might slow down my program?

Yes, in scenarios where frequent ownership transfers occur, the overhead of moving unique pointers can impact performance.

What about shared pointers? How do they differ in terms of performance?

Shared pointers introduce reference counting, which can lead to overhead and potential performance hits due to increased memory management complexity.