When should I use iterators in C++?

When should I use iterators in C++?

You should use iterators in C++ when you want to traverse a container without exposing its underlying structure.

Can you give me an example of using iterators?

Sure! For example, you can use a vector and iterate through it using a for loop with iterators like this:

std::vector<int> vec = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
for (auto it = vec.begin(); it != vec.end(); ++it) {
    std::cout << *it << ' ';
}

What are the advantages of using iterators over traditional indexing?

Iterators provide a uniform way to access elements in different containers, support polymorphism, and can work with algorithms from the STL.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, while iterators are generally efficient, the performance can vary based on the container type. For example, random access iterators (like those for vectors) are faster than forward iterators (like those for lists).