Smart Pointers: Closing Words

Shared Pointers: Closing Words

Now when to use which pointer?

⟶ no definitive answer, but …

Answer 1: performance, and designwise correctness

• Always use std::unique_ptr<> ⟶ clearly defined ownership

• Pass object around as pointer (uptr->get())

• Use std::shared_ptr<> only if we have real shared ownership

Answer 2: programming efficiency

• Don’t waste a thought on ownership, simply write it

• Always use std::shared_ptr<>