How do I use smart pointers in C++?

What are smart pointers in C++?

Smart pointers are objects that manage the lifetime of dynamically allocated memory, ensuring proper resource management.

How do I create a smart pointer?

You can create a smart pointer using the std::unique_ptr or std::shared_ptr classes from the <memory> header.

What's the difference between unique_ptr and shared_ptr?

std::unique_ptr allows only one owner of the resource, while std::shared_ptr allows multiple owners with reference counting.

When should I use smart pointers instead of raw pointers?

Use smart pointers when you want automatic memory management to prevent memory leaks and dangling pointers.