C++ Snippet

unique_ptr vs shared_ptr Cheat Sheet

Difficulty: Medium

Smart pointers are how modern C++ handles ownership without naked `new`/`delete`. This snippet contrasts `std::unique_ptr` (single-owner, zero overhead) with `std::shared_ptr` (reference-counted, multi-owner) and shows when each is the right choice. The default rule: pick `unique_ptr` unless you can prove you genuinely need shared ownership.