How does C++11's std::array perform compared to other containers?

How does C++11's std::array perform compared to other containers like std::vector?

C++11's std::array is a fixed-size array that offers better performance than std::vector in certain scenarios, especially for small sizes. It has no dynamic memory overhead, making it faster for access and iteration.

What are the advantages of using std::array over std::vector?

The main advantages of std::array include fixed size, no dynamic allocation, and better cache locality, which can lead to improved performance in tight loops.

Are there any downsides to using std::array?

Yes, the primary downside is its fixed size. If you need a resizable array, std::vector is more suitable. Also, std::array lacks some of the features that std::vector provides, like dynamic resizing.

In what scenarios should I prefer std::vector over std::array?

You should prefer std::vector when you need a dynamic size, frequent insertions or deletions, or when the size of the array is not known at compile time.