Answer
std::unique_ptr represents exclusive ownership, while std::shared_ptr uses shared ownership through reference counting. • unique_ptr is movable but not copyable. • shared_ptr copies share a control block and destroy the object when the last owning reference is released. • Prefer unique_ptr unless the design truly requires shared ownership.
💡 C++ Example
auto exclusive = std::make_unique<int>(42);
auto shared_a = std::make_shared<int>(7);
auto shared_b = shared_a;
⚡ Quick Revision
unique_ptr owns exclusively; shared_ptr shares ownership.