What are smart pointers in C++ and how do they work?

What are smart pointers in C++ and how do they work?

Smart pointers are objects that manage the lifetime of dynamically allocated memory in C++. They help prevent memory leaks and dangling pointers.

Can you explain the different types of smart pointers?

Sure! The main types of smart pointers in C++ are std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr, and std::weak_ptr. Each serves a different purpose in memory management.

What is the difference between std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr?

std::unique_ptr owns its object exclusively, meaning no other smart pointer can point to it. std::shared_ptr allows multiple pointers to share ownership of an object.

When should I use std::weak_ptr?

You should use std::weak_ptr to break circular references between shared pointers, preventing memory leaks.