What are some practical usage scenarios for C++ STL?

What are some practical usage scenarios for C++ STL?

The C++ Standard Template Library (STL) is widely used for various tasks. For example, you can use vectors for dynamic arrays, maps for key-value storage, and algorithms for sorting and searching.

Can you give me an example of using a vector?

Sure! You can use a vector to store a list of integers. For instance, you can create a vector, add elements to it, and then iterate through it to print the values.

What about using maps? How do they work?

Maps in STL are used to store key-value pairs. You can insert elements with a unique key and retrieve values using that key. For example, you can use a map to count the frequency of words in a text.

Are there any performance considerations when using STL?

Yes, performance can vary based on the container and operations. For instance, vectors provide fast access but can be slow for insertions in the middle, while lists allow fast insertions but have slower access times.