C ++ deque vs queue vs stack
1. deque (Double-Ended Queue)Definition and Characteristics:deque is an abbreviation for 'double-ended queue', representing a dynamic array that allows efficient insertion and deletion of elements at both ends.It supports random access, enabling direct access to any element via index.deque elements are not stored contiguously; instead, they are organized in segments connected by an internal mechanism.Use Cases:When frequent insertion or deletion at the front or back of a sequence is required, deque is an optimal choice.For example, in a real-time message queue system, it may be necessary to add high-priority messages at the front of the data sequence while also processing regular messages at the back.2. queue (Queue)Definition and Characteristics:queue is a data structure that follows the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle.It permits only adding elements at the end (enqueue) and removing elements from the beginning (dequeue).In the C++ standard library, queue is typically implemented using deque, though it can also be implemented using list or other containers.Use Cases:queue is commonly used for task scheduling, such as in operating system process management or print job handling.For example, an operating system might utilize a queue to manage the execution order of multiple processes, ensuring sequential processing.3. stack (Stack)Definition and Characteristics:stack is a data structure that follows the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle.It allows only adding (push) or removing (pop) elements from the top.stack is typically implemented using deque, but it can also be implemented using vector or list.Use Cases:stack is often employed for implementing internal state backtracking in recursive programs, such as in expression parsing or tree traversal.For example, when evaluating an expression, a stack may be necessary to store operators and operands to maintain the correct computation order.SummaryThese three containers are linear data structures with distinct usage and implementation differences. The choice of structure depends on specific requirements, such as the positions and efficiency of element insertion/deletion. Flexibly using these containers in C++ can solve various programming problems. In C++, , , and are container adapters providing specific data structure functionalities, though the underlying containers may vary. Below, I explain the characteristics and differences of these types, along with use case examples.1. Deque (Double-Ended Queue)(double-ended queue) is a linear container enabling efficient addition or removal of elements from both ends. Its implementation typically uses a segmented array structure, ensuring high efficiency for operations at both ends.Characteristics:Allows insertion and deletion at both the front and back.Supports random access via index.Use Cases:When a sequence requires efficient bidirectional operations, such as scenarios combining stack and queue properties.2. Queue (Queue)in C++ follows the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle, allowing only end additions and beginning removals. It is typically implemented using or as the underlying container.Characteristics:Permits insertion only at the tail and removal only at the head.Does not support random access.Use Cases:When processing tasks or data sequentially, queue is highly useful. For example, in multithreaded task scheduling, handling tasks added from one end and executed from the other.3. Stack (Stack)follows the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle, allowing only top additions or removals. It is typically implemented using or as the underlying container.Characteristics:Permits insertion and deletion only at the top.Does not support random access.Use Cases:stack is widely applied in algorithms like function calls, expression evaluation, recursion, and depth-first search. It helps manage local variables and return addresses during function calls.Summarydeque supports bidirectional insertion/deletion and random access.queue is a unidirectional structure implementing FIFO.stack implements LIFO with top-only operations.The choice of container adapter depends on specific requirements, including insertion/deletion positions and the need for random access.