Explore the full potential of C++ by mastering the standard library.

Become a C++ Programmer

The C++ standard library is a collection of all the tools and utilities available in C++. It received its latest update in 2017, known as C++17. The update introduces many new features that further optimize our code. This module will help us fully grasp C++ and use it to its full potential.

C++ Standard Library

The global functions `std::begin, std::end, std::prev, std::next, std::distance` and `std::advance` make your handling of the iterators a lot easier. Only the function `std::prev` requires a bidirectional iterator. All functions need the header `<iterator>`. The table gives you an overview:

| **Global function** | **Description** |
|-|-|
| `std::begin(cont)` | Returns a begin iterator to the container `cont`. | 
| `std::end(cont)` | Returns an end iterator to the container `cont`. |
| `std::rbegin(cont)` | Returns a reverse begin iterator to the container `cont`. | 
| `std::rend(cont)` | Returns a reverse end iterator to the container `cont`. |
| `std::cbegin(cont)` | Returns a constant begin iterator to the container `cont`. | 
| `std::cend(cont)` | Returns a constant end iterator to the container `cont`. |
| `std::crbegin(cont)` | Returns a reverse constant begin iterator to the container `cont`. | 
| `std::crend(cont)` | Returns a reverse constant end iterator to the container `cont`. |
| `std::prev(it)` | Returns an iterator, which points to a position before `it` | 
| `std::next(it)` | Returns an iterator, which points to a position after `it`. | 
| `std::distance(fir, sec)` | Returns the number of elements between `fir` and `sec`. |
| `std::advance(it, n)` | Puts the iterator `it` n positions further. |
<p> <strong> Useful functions for iterators </strong> </p>

Now, the application of the useful functions.

C++ offers several tools to make the iteration process simpler yet safer.

Useful Functions