Useful C++ Classes
This page lists several classes from the C++ library that you may find
useful at some point during CS 111. There are two popular Web sites for
learning more about C++ classes: cppreference.com and cplusplus.com.
The cppreference.com site is more precise and formal;
it tends to be preferred by purists and experts. However, many people find
cplusplus.com to be simpler and easier to understand, especially for
people still learning C++. We provide links to both sites below; take
your pick.
std::atomic
Used to define objects such as std::atomic
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::condition_variable
Used in conjunction with std::unique_lock to put threads to sleep
and wake them up again.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::deque
A double-ended queue of objects of arbitrary type. Can insert and remove
from both ends.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::function
An object that encapsulates a call to a particular function with
arbritrary parameters and return type.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::map
A container that contains key-value pairs where there is an ordering among
the keys. Supports both lookup by individual key and also range queries
(find a group of objects in order of their keys). This class isn't quite
as fast as std::unordered_map, but it supports ordering, which is not
supported in std::unordered_map.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::mutex
Basic locks; normally used in conjunction with std::unique_lock.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::queue
Simple FIFO container for objects of any type. Most people find
std::deque easier to use and more powerful.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::string
Provides a variety of mechanisms for manipulating strings
of text.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::thread
Create system threads.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::unique_lock
Acquires a std::mutex when constructed, automatically unlocks the
mutex when the std::unique_lock is destroyed. This class is very
useful to ensure that mutexes are always unlocked (e.g. when a method
returns).
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::unordered_map
A container that contains key-value pairs with unique keys. Both
keys and values can have aribtrary type. Provides fast lookup based
on keys. The container is unsorted (there is no ordering among the elements)
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]
std::vector
Expandable arrays of objects of any type. Provides fast access to any
element using its index.
[cplusplus]
[cppreference]