What are some practical use cases for C++ vectors?

What are some practical use cases for C++ vectors?

C++ vectors are dynamic arrays that can resize themselves. They are commonly used for storing collections of data, such as lists of items, where the size may change during runtime.

Can you give me an example of when to use a vector instead of an array?

Sure! Use a vector when you need a resizable array, like when you're implementing a dynamic list of user inputs or when the number of elements isn't known at compile time.

What are the performance implications of using vectors?

Vectors provide average constant time complexity for access and amortized constant time for adding elements. However, inserting elements in the middle can be slower due to shifting.

Are there any limitations to using vectors?

Yes, vectors can consume more memory than arrays due to their dynamic nature and may lead to performance overhead if not managed properly.

How do vectors compare to other STL containers?

Vectors are great for dynamic arrays, but if you need fast insertions and deletions, consider using lists or deques instead.