C++: std::string vs std::string_view

What is the difference between std::string and std::string_view in C++?

std::string is a mutable string type that owns its data, while std::string_view is a lightweight, non-owning view into a string.

When should I use std::string_view instead of std::string?

Use std::string_view when you want to avoid unnecessary copies of strings, especially when passing strings to functions.

Are there any performance benefits to using std::string_view?

Yes, std::string_view can improve performance by reducing memory allocations and copies, making it faster for read-only operations.

Can std::string_view be used with string literals?

Absolutely! std::string_view can be initialized with string literals, making it very convenient for temporary strings.

What are the limitations of std::string_view?

The main limitation is that std::string_view does not own the data it points to, so it must not outlive the original string.