What are some use cases for skip lists in C++?

What are some use cases for skip lists in C++?

Skip lists are often used for implementing ordered maps, sets, and databases due to their efficient search, insert, and delete operations.

How do skip lists compare to balanced trees?

Skip lists offer similar average-case performance to balanced trees but are simpler to implement and can be easier to maintain.

Can you give an example of a situation where a skip list would be preferred?

A skip list is preferred in applications requiring frequent insertions and deletions, like real-time data processing systems.

What are the time complexities for operations in a skip list?

The average time complexities for search, insert, and delete operations in a skip list are O(log n), making them efficient.

Are there any downsides to using skip lists?

Yes, skip lists can use more memory than other data structures due to the multiple pointers, and their performance can degrade with poor randomization.