What is the C++ STL and how can I use it?

What is the C++ STL and how can I use it?

The C++ Standard Template Library (STL) is a powerful set of C++ template classes to provide general-purpose classes and functions. It includes algorithms, iterators, and containers like vectors, lists, and maps.

Can you explain the difference between a vector and a list in STL?

Sure! A vector is a dynamic array that can resize itself, providing fast access to elements. A list, on the other hand, is a doubly linked list that allows for efficient insertions and deletions but has slower access times.

How do I iterate over a vector using STL?

You can use a range-based for loop or an iterator. For example:

std::vector<int> vec = {1, 2, 3};
for (int x : vec) {
    std::cout << x << ' ';
}

What are some common algorithms provided by STL?

STL provides many algorithms like sort, find, accumulate, and copy. These can be used with STL containers to perform various operations efficiently.