What are the benefits of using smart pointers in C++?

What are the benefits of using smart pointers in C++?

Smart pointers in C++ help manage memory automatically, reducing the risk of memory leaks and dangling pointers.

Can you explain how they differ from regular pointers?

Unlike regular pointers, smart pointers automatically handle memory deallocation when they go out of scope, ensuring safer memory management.

What types of smart pointers are there?

The main types of smart pointers in C++ are std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr, and std::weak_ptr, each serving different purposes.

Are there any performance drawbacks to using smart pointers?

While smart pointers add some overhead, they often improve overall performance by preventing memory leaks and improving code safety.