The Standard Template Library (STL) - GitMasterNikanjam/C_WiKi GitHub Wiki

The Standard Template Library (STL) is a powerful set of C++ template classes to provide general-purpose classes and functions with templates that implement many popular and commonly used algorithms and data structures. The STL was introduced to the C++ Standard in the late 1990s and is an integral part of the C++ Standard Library.

Key Components of the STL

1- Containers

Sequence Containers:

std::vector: Dynamic array.
std::list: Doubly-linked list.
std::deque: Double-ended queue.

Associative Containers:

std::set: Ordered set.
std::map: Ordered key-value map.
std::multiset and std::multimap: Allow duplicate elements.

Container Adapters:

std::stack: LIFO stack.
std::queue: FIFO queue.
std::priority_queue: Priority queue.

2- Algorithms

The STL provides a wide range of algorithms that operate on sequences, such as sorting, searching, and manipulating elements.

3- Iterators

Iterators are used to iterate through the elements of a container. They act as a generalization of pointers.

Function Objects (Functors)

Function objects are objects that can be called as if they were functions. They are used extensively in the STL algorithms.

Allocators

Allocators provide a way to customize memory management for containers.

How to Use the STL

1- Include the necessary headers:

#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
#include <algorithm>

2- Use the std namespace or prefix the STL components with std:::

using namespace std; // or use std::vector, std::sort, etc.

3- Declare and use STL containers:

vector<int> myVector = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};

4- Apply algorithms to containers:

sort(myVector.begin(), myVector.end());

5- Utilize iterators:

for (auto it = myVector.begin(); it != myVector.end(); ++it) {
    cout << *it << " ";
}

Example:

Here's a simple example that demonstrates the use of std::vector and std::sort :

#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
#include <algorithm>

int main() {
    std::vector<int> myVector = {5, 2, 8, 1, 3};

    // Use the std::sort algorithm
    std::sort(myVector.begin(), myVector.end());

    // Print the sorted vector
    for (int i : myVector) {
        std::cout << i << " ";
    }

    return 0;
}

This program uses the STL to sort a vector of integers and then prints the sorted result.

The STL is a powerful and flexible library that facilitates generic programming in C++, making it easier to write efficient and maintainable code. It is a fundamental part of modern C++ programming.

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