How can I use C++ maps effectively?

What are C++ maps and how do they work?

C++ maps are associative containers that store elements in key-value pairs. They allow fast retrieval based on keys.

Can you show me a simple example of using a map in C++?

Sure! Here's a basic example:

#include <iostream>
#include <map>

int main() {
    std::map<std::string, int> ageMap;
    ageMap["Alice"] = 30;
    ageMap["Bob"] = 25;

    std::cout << "Alice's age: " << ageMap["Alice"] << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

What are the advantages of using maps over arrays?

Maps provide faster lookups and allow you to use non-integer keys, making them more flexible than arrays.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, while maps offer fast lookups, they can be slower than arrays for sequential access due to their underlying tree structure.