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

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

Shared pointers and unique pointers are both smart pointers in C++. Unique pointers own their object exclusively, while shared pointers allow multiple pointers to share ownership.

Can you explain how memory management works with these pointers?

Sure! Unique pointers automatically delete the object when they go out of scope, ensuring no memory leaks. Shared pointers use reference counting to track how many pointers share ownership, deleting the object only when the last pointer is destroyed.

When should I use one over the other?

Use unique pointers when you want sole ownership and no shared access. Use shared pointers when you need multiple owners for the same resource.

Are there any performance implications of using shared pointers?

Yes, shared pointers have a slight overhead due to reference counting, which can impact performance in high-frequency scenarios. Unique pointers are more efficient in such cases.