Preface

Welcome to Data Structures and Algorithms with the C++ STL, a resource that aims to deepen your understanding of data structures and algorithms using the robust tools provided by the C++ Standard Template Library (STL). Within these pages, you will explore std::vector, advanced usage of sequence and associative containers, in-depth discussions on STL algorithms and their enhancements with modern C++ features, and a penetrating look at creating STL-compatible types and algorithms.

The book is structured into five parts, each focusing on a different aspect of STL. Part 1, Mastering std::vector, details the fundamental usage of vectors and their manipulation with STL algorithms. Part 2, Understanding STL Data Structures, expands your repertoire with sequence, ordered and unordered associative containers, and container adaptors. Part 3, Mastering STL Algorithms, provides comprehensive coverage of fundamental, numeric, and range-based algorithms, focusing on best practices. Part 4, Creating STL-Compatible Types & Algorithms, guides you through developing your own types and algorithms that integrate seamlessly with STL. Lastly, Part 5, STL Data Structures and Algorithms: Under the Hood, offers advanced insights into exception safety, thread safety, concurrency, and the interactions of STL with the latest C++ features such as concepts and coroutines.

Each chapter is structured to build on previously introduced concepts, ensuring a cohesive learning experience. By the end of this book, you should be proficient in the practical application of the STL, equipped to tackle modern software challenges with confidence and expertise. Let us embark on this journey not only to understand the mechanics of the STL but also to appreciate its elegance and power in crafting exceptional C++ software.