C++: Queue vs Stack

What is the difference between a queue and a stack in C++?

A queue is a First In First Out (FIFO) data structure, while a stack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) structure.

Can you give me an example of how to implement both in C++?

Sure! For a stack, you can use std::stack, and for a queue, use std::queue. Here's a simple example:

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

int main() {
    // Stack example
    std::stack<int> myStack;
    myStack.push(1);
    myStack.push(2);
    std::cout << "Stack top: " << myStack.top() << '\n';
    myStack.pop();

    // Queue example
    std::queue<int> myQueue;
    myQueue.push(1);
    myQueue.push(2);
    std::cout << "Queue front: " << myQueue.front() << '\n';
    myQueue.pop();
}

When would I use a queue instead of a stack?

You would use a queue when you need to process items in the order they arrive, like in scheduling tasks. A stack is useful for backtracking algorithms, like undo operations.

Are there any performance differences between them?

Both have similar performance for basic operations, O(1) for push and pop. However, their use cases differ, which can affect overall efficiency in specific scenarios.