What are the performance benefits of using std::string_view in C++11?

What are the performance benefits of using std::string_view in C++11?

Using std::string_view can improve performance by avoiding unnecessary string copies. It provides a lightweight, non-owning view of a string.

Can you explain how it differs from std::string?

Sure! std::string owns its data and manages memory, while std::string_view is just a reference to existing string data, making it faster for read-only operations.

Are there any downsides to using std::string_view?

Yes, since std::string_view does not own the data, it can lead to dangling references if the original string is destroyed. Care must be taken to ensure the data remains valid.

In what scenarios should I prefer std::string_view over std::string?

You should prefer std::string_view when you need to pass strings around without modifying them, especially in performance-critical code where avoiding copies is beneficial.