How does the std::map perform in C++11?

Can you explain the performance characteristics of std::map in C++11?

Sure! In C++11, std::map is implemented as a balanced binary tree, typically a Red-Black tree, which provides O(log n) time complexity for insertions, deletions, and lookups.

What are the advantages of using std::map over other containers?

The main advantages of std::map include automatic sorting of keys, efficient search operations, and the ability to store key-value pairs with unique keys.

Are there any performance drawbacks I should be aware of?

Yes, while std::map offers logarithmic time complexity, it can be slower than other containers like std::unordered_map for certain operations due to the overhead of maintaining the tree structure.

When should I prefer std::unordered_map instead?

You should prefer std::unordered_map when you need faster average-case performance for lookups and insertions, as it provides O(1) time complexity on average.