C++11: Stack vs Queue Performance

What are the performance differences between std::stack and std::queue in C++11?

In C++11, std::stack and std::queue are both container adaptors, but they serve different purposes. std::stack is a LIFO (Last In, First Out) structure, while std::queue is FIFO (First In, First Out). Performance-wise, both have similar time complexities for their primary operations, which are O(1) for push and pop in stack, and O(1) for push and pop in queue.

Are there any specific scenarios where one is preferred over the other?

Yes, if you need to process items in the order they arrive, std::queue is preferred. However, if you need to access the most recently added item first, std::stack is the better choice.

How do their underlying implementations affect performance?

Both std::stack and std::queue are typically implemented using other standard containers like std::deque or std::vector. The choice of underlying container can affect performance, especially in terms of memory allocation and resizing.

Can you provide an example of using both in code?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <stack>
#include <queue>

int main() {
    std::stack<int> myStack;
    std::queue<int> myQueue;

    myStack.push(1);
    myStack.push(2);
    myQueue.push(1);
    myQueue.push(2);

    std::cout << "Stack top: " << myStack.top() << "\n";
    std::cout << "Queue front: " << myQueue.front() << "\n";
}

This code demonstrates basic usage of both std::stack and std::queue.