What are some performance tips for the C++ standard library?

What are some performance tips for the C++ standard library?

To improve performance with the C++ standard library, consider using algorithms from <algorithm> efficiently, prefer std::vector over std::list for better cache locality, and utilize move semantics to avoid unnecessary copies.

Can you explain why std::vector is preferred over std::list?

std::vector is preferred because it stores elements contiguously in memory, which enhances cache performance. In contrast, std::list uses a doubly linked list structure, leading to more memory overhead and poorer cache locality.

What about using std::unordered_map instead of std::map?

Using std::unordered_map can significantly improve performance for lookups, insertions, and deletions due to its average constant time complexity, compared to std::map, which has logarithmic time complexity.

Are there any specific algorithms I should focus on?

Yes, focus on algorithms like std::sort, std::copy, and std::accumulate, as they are highly optimized and can save you time compared to writing your own implementations.