What are the differences between std::string and std::string_view in C++17?

What are the differences between std::string and std::string_view in C++17?

In C++17, std::string is a mutable string class that manages its own memory, while std::string_view is a lightweight, non-owning view of a string. This means std::string_view does not allocate memory and is more efficient for read-only operations.

Can you give me an example of when to use std::string_view?

Sure! Use std::string_view when you want to pass a string to a function without copying it. For example, if you have a function that only reads the string, using std::string_view can improve performance.

Are there any limitations to using std::string_view?

Yes, std::string_view does not own the string data, so it can lead to dangling references if the original string is destroyed. Always ensure the lifetime of the original string exceeds that of the std::string_view.

How does memory management differ between the two?

std::string manages its own memory and can grow or shrink as needed, while std::string_view simply points to existing string data without managing memory.