C++ STL vs Arrays: Which Should I Use?

What are the main differences between C++ STL and arrays?

C++ STL (Standard Template Library) provides a set of template classes and functions, while arrays are fixed-size collections. STL offers dynamic sizing, algorithms, and more flexibility.

When should I prefer using STL over arrays?

You should prefer STL when you need dynamic sizing, built-in algorithms, or when working with complex data structures like lists or maps.

Are there any performance differences between them?

Yes, arrays can be faster for simple data storage due to lower overhead, but STL containers often provide better performance for complex operations due to optimizations.

Can you give examples of STL containers?

Sure! Common STL containers include vector, list, deque, set, and map, each serving different use cases.