C++11: Priority Queue vs. Set

What are the main differences between std::priority_queue and std::set in C++11?

The main difference is that std::priority_queue is designed to always give you access to the highest priority element, while std::set maintains a sorted collection of unique elements.

When should I use std::priority_queue instead of std::set?

Use std::priority_queue when you need to frequently access and remove the highest priority element. Use std::set when you need to maintain a collection of unique elements in sorted order.

Can you give an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use std::priority_queue for scheduling tasks based on priority, and std::set for storing unique user IDs.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Yes, std::priority_queue has logarithmic time complexity for insertions and deletions, while std::set also has logarithmic complexity but may have different constant factors due to its underlying structure.