Hello
Whats the actual difference betwen vector and list?
When should I use each of them?
As I remember I read somewhere that I should use vector when I want to access elements/objects in random order (in this case std::vector should be faster than std::list)?
Are there any other rules when to use each?
I use my container to store loads of data which is mostly accessed at the beginning or end of container.. Should I go for the list in this case for better preformance?
Thanks for help!
Regards
std::vector is contiguous like an array, whereas std::list is, well, a linked list.
Chapter 76. Use vector by default. Otherwise, choose an appropriate container
Use a list when you plan on doing a lot of deleting and/or inserting into the middle of the list, otherwise vector is probably better if you plan on doing a lot of searching/sorting...
Well I can answer part for you. For efficient adding and deleting elements at either ends you shoud use a deque
here's a link that might help:http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/stl/deque/
I doubt list will be faster for your case. I'd stick with the vector unless you notice a specifically slow operation.
Also, if you have data in one container, adding it to another and clear the first (as you mentioned in the other thread) is a very time consuming operation that will often counter any performance benefits you gain.
A deque might also be good, but in my experience it was slower than vector, so I would stick to vector unless you are inserting and deleting a lot at the front.
