What are the differences between std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr?

What are the differences between std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr?

std::unique_ptr is a smart pointer that owns a dynamically allocated object exclusively, while std::shared_ptr allows multiple pointers to share ownership of the same object.

When should I use std::unique_ptr instead of std::shared_ptr?

Use std::unique_ptr when you want sole ownership of an object and want to avoid the overhead of reference counting.

Can std::shared_ptr lead to memory leaks?

Yes, if there are circular references between shared_ptrs, they can prevent the memory from being freed, leading to leaks.

Are there performance differences between the two?

Yes, std::unique_ptr is generally faster due to its simpler ownership model, while std::shared_ptr has overhead from reference counting.