What are the differences between STL containers?

What are the differences between STL containers?

STL containers include vectors, lists, and maps. Each has unique characteristics. What specific differences are you interested in?

Can you explain the differences between vectors and lists?

Vectors are dynamic arrays that allow fast access and are stored contiguously, while lists are doubly linked and allow efficient insertions and deletions.

When should I use a map instead of a vector?

Use a map when you need to associate keys with values for fast lookups, while vectors are better for ordered collections.

Are there performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, vectors have better cache performance due to contiguous storage, while lists have overhead from pointers. It depends on your use case.

Can you give me an example of when to use each container?

Sure! Use a vector for a dynamic array of items, a list for frequent insertions/deletions, and a map for key-value pairs.