CPP Memory Management & Pointers 3

Question 1

What is the role of std::weak_ptr in C++?

Accepted Answer

To provide a non-owning reference that does not affect the reference count of a shared_ptr

Answer

std::weak_ptr holds a non-owning reference to an object managed by shared_ptr without incrementing the reference count, helping break circular references.

Question 2

What is the difference between stack and heap memory in C++?

Accepted Answer

Stack memory is automatically managed and limited in size; heap memory is manually managed and larger

Answer

Stack memory is automatically managed by the compiler with a limited size, while heap memory is manually allocated/deallocated and can be much larger.

Question 3

Which scenario is most likely to cause a memory leak in C++?

Accepted Answer

Allocating memory with new inside a function and returning without calling delete

Answer

Allocating heap memory with new and not calling delete before the pointer goes out of scope causes a memory leak.

Question 4

What does new[] allocate and how must it be freed?

Accepted Answer

An array of objects; freed with delete[]

Answer

new[] allocates an array of objects and must be freed with delete[] to ensure all destructors are called and memory is properly released.

Question 5

What is the output of: int arr[3] = {10,20,30}; int* p = arr; std::cout << *(p+2);

Accepted Answer

30

Answer

p+2 advances the pointer by 2 integer positions, pointing to the third element (30), and dereferencing it yields 30.

(CPP) C++ Programming Professional Certificate Practice Test

(CPP) C++ Programming Professional Certificate Practice Test

CPP Memory Management & Pointers 3