What are the differences between unique pointers and shared pointers in C++?

What are the differences between unique pointers and shared pointers in C++?

Unique pointers are owned by a single pointer, while shared pointers can be shared among multiple pointers.

Can you explain how memory management works with these pointers?

Sure! Unique pointers automatically delete the object when they go out of scope, while shared pointers use reference counting.

When should I use one over the other?

Use unique pointers when you want sole ownership and shared pointers when you need shared ownership among multiple objects.

Are there any performance implications of using shared pointers?

Yes, shared pointers have overhead due to reference counting, which can impact performance compared to unique pointers.