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 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 make_unique is preferred?

Certainly! make_unique helps prevent memory leaks by ensuring that the memory is allocated and the unique_ptr is created in a single step. This reduces the risk of forgetting to delete the pointer or handling exceptions incorrectly.

What about using unique_ptr with custom deleters?

Using custom deleters with unique_ptr is a powerful feature. You can specify a custom deleter when creating a unique_ptr, which allows you to manage resources that require special cleanup, like file handles or network connections.

Are there any performance considerations?

Yes, unique_ptr is lightweight and has minimal overhead compared to raw pointers. However, be cautious with custom deleters, as they can introduce additional overhead depending on their complexity.