C++11: std::vector vs std::list Performance

What are the performance differences between std::vector and std::list in C++11?

In C++11, std::vector is generally faster for random access and iteration due to its contiguous memory allocation, while std::list is better for frequent insertions and deletions.

Can you explain why std::vector is faster for random access?

Sure! std::vector stores elements in contiguous memory, allowing for direct access via pointer arithmetic, which is faster than the node-based structure of std::list.

What about memory usage? Is std::list more memory efficient?

std::list uses more memory due to the overhead of storing pointers for each element, while std::vector has lower overhead but may require reallocation when it grows.

When should I choose std::list over std::vector?

Choose std::list when you need to perform many insertions and deletions in the middle of the container, as it provides constant time complexity for these operations.