`std::make_unique` vs. `std::unique_ptr` with `new`: When Should I Use Which?

make_unique vs std::unique_ptr with new

The std::make_unique function provides a simplified syntax for constructing unique pointers. It eliminates the need to manually call new and can improve code safety and readability. Compared to the explicit use of new with std::unique_ptr, make_unique offers several advantages:

• Exception Safety for Temporaries: make_unique is safe for creating temporary unique pointers, while using new directly requires following the rule of not using unnamed temporaries. This eliminates the potential for exceptions to lead to dangling pointers.
• Simplified Syntax: make_unique avoids the redundant use of the type argument in the syntax std::unique_ptr(new T()). Instead, it simplifies the construction to make_unique().
• Discouragement of Using new: The introduction of make_unique reinforces the recommendation against using new directly. It allows developers to create unique pointers without the need for explicit memory management, ensuring ownership of the pointed-to object is properly transferred.

While make_unique enhances safety and improves code quality, it does not provide any runtime efficiency benefits comparable to std::make_shared. Unlike make_shared, which avoids a second allocation, make_unique allocates memory in the same way as new and does not optimize memory usage.

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