CO2402: Advanced Programming
with C++ Lecture 14
Introduction to the STL Containers
1. Overview
o The Standard Template Library (STL) provides a set of generic
classes and functions, including containers, algorithms, and
iterators. These are implemented as template classes,
allowing for type-independent data structures and algorithms.
2. Advantages of Using STL
o Robust and Debugged: STL components are well-tested and
reliable.
o Efficiency: Defined as inline templates for speed.
o Time-Saving: Reduces the need for custom implementations
of data structures.
3. Disadvantages
o Complex Debugging: Especially with nested STL containers.
o Not Universally Suitable: May not fit all use cases,
particularly with specialized data structures.
The Vector Class
1. Introduction
o Vectors are dynamic arrays that can resize automatically. They
offer the benefits of arrays while providing additional
functionality, such as dynamic resizing and a range of
member functions.
, Example:
2. Key Member Functions
o size(): Returns the number of elements.
o resize(size_t n): Resizes the vector to contain n elements.
o push_back(const T& value): Adds an element to the end.
o pop_back(): Removes the last element.
o front() and back(): Access the first and last elements,
respectively.
Example:
3. Copy and Assignment
o Vectors support deep copy and assignment operations,
making it easy to copy entire vectors.
Example:
with C++ Lecture 14
Introduction to the STL Containers
1. Overview
o The Standard Template Library (STL) provides a set of generic
classes and functions, including containers, algorithms, and
iterators. These are implemented as template classes,
allowing for type-independent data structures and algorithms.
2. Advantages of Using STL
o Robust and Debugged: STL components are well-tested and
reliable.
o Efficiency: Defined as inline templates for speed.
o Time-Saving: Reduces the need for custom implementations
of data structures.
3. Disadvantages
o Complex Debugging: Especially with nested STL containers.
o Not Universally Suitable: May not fit all use cases,
particularly with specialized data structures.
The Vector Class
1. Introduction
o Vectors are dynamic arrays that can resize automatically. They
offer the benefits of arrays while providing additional
functionality, such as dynamic resizing and a range of
member functions.
, Example:
2. Key Member Functions
o size(): Returns the number of elements.
o resize(size_t n): Resizes the vector to contain n elements.
o push_back(const T& value): Adds an element to the end.
o pop_back(): Removes the last element.
o front() and back(): Access the first and last elements,
respectively.
Example:
3. Copy and Assignment
o Vectors support deep copy and assignment operations,
making it easy to copy entire vectors.
Example:
