What are C++ STL iterators and how do they work?

What are C++ STL iterators and how do they work?

C++ STL iterators are objects that allow you to traverse through the elements of a container, like arrays or lists. They provide a way to access the elements without exposing the underlying structure.

Can you explain the different types of iterators available in C++?

Sure! There are several types of iterators in C++: input iterators, output iterators, forward iterators, bidirectional iterators, and random access iterators. Each type has different capabilities regarding how you can traverse and manipulate the data.

What is the difference between a vector iterator and a list iterator?

A vector iterator allows random access, meaning you can jump to any element directly, while a list iterator only allows sequential access, moving from one element to the next.

How do I use an iterator to loop through a vector?

You can use a for loop with the iterator like this: for(auto it = vec.begin(); it != vec.end(); ++it) { std::cout << *it; } This will print each element in the vector.