What are STL iterators and how do they work?

What are STL iterators and how do they work?

STL iterators are objects that allow you to traverse through the elements of a container in C++. They provide a way to access elements without exposing the underlying structure.

Can you give me an example of how to use an iterator with a vector?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>
#include <vector>

int main() {
    std::vector<int> vec = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
    for (std::vector<int>::iterator it = vec.begin(); it != vec.end(); ++it) {
        std::cout << *it << " ";
    }
    return 0;
}

This code uses an iterator to print each element in the vector.

What are the different types of iterators available in STL?

STL provides several types of iterators:

1. Input Iterators
2. Output Iterators
3. Forward Iterators
4. Bidirectional Iterators
5. Random Access Iterators Each type has different capabilities and use cases.

How do iterators differ from pointers?

Iterators are more abstract than pointers. While pointers provide direct access to memory, iterators work with STL containers and can be customized to work with different data structures, providing a uniform interface.