C++ Map vs Unordered Map: Use Cases

What are the main differences between map and unordered_map in C++?

The main difference is that map is ordered and uses a binary tree, while unordered_map is unordered and uses a hash table.

When should I use unordered_map instead of map?

Use unordered_map when you need faster access times and don't require the elements to be in a specific order.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use map for sorted data retrieval, like maintaining a leaderboard, and unordered_map for fast lookups, like caching.

What are the performance implications of using one over the other?

map has O(log n) complexity for insertions and lookups, while unordered_map has average O(1) complexity, making it faster for large datasets.