Book Image

Data Structures and Algorithms with the C++ STL

By : John Farrier
5 (2)
Book Image

Data Structures and Algorithms with the C++ STL

5 (2)
By: John Farrier

Overview of this book

While the Standard Template Library (STL) offers a rich set of tools for data structures and algorithms, navigating its intricacies can be daunting for intermediate C++ developers without expert guidance. This book offers a thorough exploration of the STL’s components, covering fundamental data structures, advanced algorithms, and concurrency features. Starting with an in-depth analysis of the std::vector, this book highlights its pivotal role in the STL, progressing toward building your proficiency in utilizing vectors, managing memory, and leveraging iterators. The book then advances to STL’s data structures, including sequence containers, associative containers, and unordered containers, simplifying the concepts of container adaptors and views to enhance your knowledge of modern STL programming. Shifting the focus to STL algorithms, you’ll get to grips with sorting, searching, and transformations and develop the skills to implement and modify algorithms with best practices. Advanced sections cover extending the STL with custom types and algorithms, as well as concurrency features, exception safety, and parallel algorithms. By the end of this book, you’ll have transformed into a proficient STL practitioner ready to tackle real-world challenges and build efficient and scalable C++ applications.
Table of Contents (30 chapters)
Free Chapter
1
Part 1: Mastering std::vector
7
Part 2: Understanding STL Data Structures
13
Part 3: Mastering STL Algorithms
19
Part 4: Creating STL-Compatible Types and Algorithms
23
Part 5: STL Data Structures and Algorithms: Under the Hood

Crafting iterators for custom types

Iterators are, without a doubt, the heartbeat of data access in the world of the STL. They act as bridges, connecting custom data structures with the vast array of STL algorithms. A well-crafted iterator ensures seamless data access and modification, making your custom types feel like they’ve been part of the STL family all along.

Creating STL iterators for custom types is pivotal in C++ programming, as they act as essential bridges, enabling seamless integration and interaction between custom types and the myriad of STL algorithms. They facilitate the traversal and manipulation of data within custom containers, ensuring that these types can fully leverage the power and efficiency of STL’s algorithms. Without properly designed iterators, custom types would be isolated, unable to tap into the extensive and optimized functionalities that the STL offers.

Choosing the right iterator type

There is a myriad of iterator types to pick...