What are the performance characteristics of std::vector in C++?

What are the performance characteristics of std::vector in C++?

std::vector is a dynamic array that offers average constant time complexity for access and amortized constant time for insertions.

How does std::vector handle memory allocation?

std::vector manages memory automatically, reallocating when the capacity is exceeded, which can lead to performance overhead.

Are there any performance drawbacks to using std::vector?

Yes, frequent insertions and deletions can be costly, especially if they occur in the middle of the vector, as elements need to be shifted.

When should I prefer std::vector over other containers?

Use std::vector when you need random access and efficient memory usage, especially for large datasets.