What are the best practices for using C++ vectors?

What are the best practices for using C++ vectors?

When using C++ vectors, it's important to consider memory management, performance, and safety. Always reserve space if you know the size in advance, use emplace_back for efficiency, and avoid unnecessary copies.

Can you explain why reserving space is important?

Reserving space in a vector helps to minimize reallocations. When a vector grows, it may need to allocate new memory and copy existing elements, which can be costly in terms of performance.

What about using iterators with vectors?

Using iterators with vectors is efficient and allows for safe traversal. Just be cautious with invalidation; if the vector resizes, iterators may become invalid.

Are there any common pitfalls to avoid?

Yes, common pitfalls include accessing out-of-bounds elements, not checking if the vector is empty before accessing its elements, and using the wrong iterator type.