What are some examples of smart pointers in C++?

What are some examples of smart pointers in C++?

In C++, the most common smart pointers are std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr, and std::weak_ptr. Would you like to know more about each?

Yes, can you explain std::unique_ptr?

std::unique_ptr is a smart pointer that owns a dynamically allocated object exclusively. It cannot be copied, only moved, ensuring that there is a single owner of the resource.

What about std::shared_ptr?

std::shared_ptr allows multiple smart pointers to share ownership of a single object. It keeps a reference count to manage the lifetime of the object.

And how does std::weak_ptr fit in?

std::weak_ptr is used in conjunction with std::shared_ptr to prevent circular references. It does not affect the reference count and can be converted to a shared_ptr if the object is still alive.