C++ Containers Comparison

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

The main differences are that std::vector is a dynamic array with fast random access, while std::list is a doubly linked list that allows for efficient insertions and deletions.

When should I use std::deque instead of std::vector?

Use std::deque when you need fast insertions and deletions at both ends, as it provides better performance for those operations compared to std::vector.

Can you explain the performance implications of using std::map versus std::unordered_map?

std::map is implemented as a balanced tree, providing O(log n) complexity for insertions and lookups, while std::unordered_map uses a hash table, offering average O(1) complexity but can degrade to O(n) in worst-case scenarios.

What about std::set and std::unordered_set?

std::set is a sorted collection with O(log n) complexity for operations, while std::unordered_set is unsorted and offers average O(1) complexity, making it faster for lookups.