Introduction to STL in C++
About C++ STL :
In C++, Standard Template Library (STL) is a set of classes that provide different functions and programming data structures. It helps to easily store and accessing the elements using different techniques.
Benefits of Using STL in C++ :
Before diving into the specifics of STL, let’s take a moment to understand why it is beneficial to use the Standard Template Library in C++.
- Reusability : The STL offers a set of versatile and reusable components, allowing developers to save time and effort by utilizing well-tested implementations of data structures and algorithms.
- Efficiency: STL components are designed to be efficient in terms of both time and memory. They are often implemented using optimized algorithms, leading to faster program execution.
- Maintainability : By using the STL, code becomes more maintainable and readable, as the library provides clear and standardized interfaces for common operations.
- Portability: Since STL is a part of the C++ standard, it is supported by all major C++ compilers and platforms, making code written with STL highly portable.
Components of STL in C++ :
In general, There are four components of STL in C++ :
- Algorithms
- Function
- Containers
- Iterators
Algorithms :
STL offers a wide range of algorithms that operate on containers. These algorithms provide functionalities like sorting, searching, and modifying container elements.
- Sorting Algorithms
Sorting algorithms arrange elements in a specific order, such as ascending or descending. Examples of sorting algorithms in STL include std::sort, std::stable_sort, and std::partial_sort.
- Searching Algorithms
Searching algorithms help find specific elements within containers. std::find, std::binary_search, and std::lower_bound are some commonly used search algorithms.
- Modifying Algorithms
Modifying algorithms alters the content of containers. Examples include std::copy, std::transform, and std::fill.
- Numeric Algorithms
Numeric algorithms perform operations on numeric elements within containers. Some of these algorithms include std::accumulate, std::inner_product, and std::iota.
Functions :
Containers :
Types of Containers :
Following are the types of containers available in STL :- Sequence Containers : Vector, List, Deque, Arrays
- Containers Adaptors : Queue, Priority Queue, Stack
- Associative Containers : Set, Multiset, Map, Multimap
- Unordered Associative Containers : Unordered Set, Unordered Multiset, Unordered Map, Unordered Multimap
Iterators :
Advantages of STL in C++ :
Programming style may be drastically altered by STL, enabling for more strong, reliable, and reusable code. By using STL, programmer may simplify their life and increase its efficiency. Additionally, STL is expandable, enabling the programmers to include their own containers and algorithms.
How to Include STL in C++ Code
To use STL in your C++ code, you need to include the appropriate header files that correspond to the components you want to use. For example, to work with vectors, you would include the < vector > header: #include int main() { // Your code here return 0; }
#include<vector>
int main() {
// Your code here
return 0;
} Examples of Using STL in C++
Example 1: Using a Vector
#include < iostream >
#include < vector>
int main() {
std::vector numbers = {5, 2, 8, 1, 9};
std::sort(numbers.begin(), numbers.end());
for (const auto& num : numbers) {
std::cout << num << " ";
}
return 0;
}
Example 2: Using a Map
#include < iostream >
#include < map >
int main() {
std::map ages;
ages["Alice"] = 30;
ages["Bob"] = 25;
ages["Charlie"] = 35;
std::cout << "Charlie's age: " << ages["Charlie"] << std::endl;
return 0;
}
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