When should I use sets in C++?

When should I use sets in C++?

You should use sets in C++ when you need to store unique elements and require fast lookup, insertion, and deletion.

Can you give me an example of when a set would be more beneficial than a vector?

Sure! If you need to maintain a collection of unique items, like a list of student IDs, a set is ideal because it automatically handles duplicates.

What are the performance differences between sets and vectors?

Sets have O(log n) complexity for insertions and lookups, while vectors have O(1) for access but O(n) for insertions if resizing is needed.

Are there any downsides to using sets?

Yes, sets use more memory than vectors due to their underlying tree structure, and they can be slower for certain operations like iteration.