Using std::begin and std::end
As you discover more use cases for std::vector, you’ll encounter situations where it is advantageous, or even necessary, to venture beyond member functions. Here’s where non-member functions, specifically std::begin and std::end, step into the spotlight. These two functions are handy and offer a more generic way to access the beginning and end of a container, including but not limited to std::vector.
Why the distinction, you might ask? Aren’t there member functions such as vector::begin() and vector::end()? Indeed, there are. However, the beauty of the non-member std::begin and std::end is their broader applicability across different container types, making your code more flexible and adaptable.
Vectors in C++ offer a potent blend of dynamic memory and continuous storage, making them indispensable in many coding scenarios. But to truly leverage their potential, understanding their interaction with iterators is crucial. While...