What are the differences between C++ iterators and range-based for loops?

What are the differences between C++ iterators and range-based for loops?

C++ iterators provide a way to traverse containers, while range-based for loops simplify this process by abstracting the iterator.

Can you give me an example of both?

Sure! For iterators:

std::vector<int> vec = {1, 2, 3};
for (auto it = vec.begin(); it != vec.end(); ++it) {
    std::cout << *it << ' ';
}

For range-based for loops:

for (int num : vec) {
    std::cout << num << ' ';
}

When should I use iterators instead of range-based for loops?

Use iterators when you need more control over the iteration process, like modifying elements or skipping certain items.

Are there performance differences between the two?

Generally, both have similar performance, but iterators can be more efficient in certain scenarios, especially with complex data structures.