ingressu.com

Why Choosing std::list May Not Be the Best Decision

Written on

Introduction to C++ Sequence Containers

In a recent analysis of C++ sequence containers, I explored their advantages and disadvantages, including various benchmarks. One finding was particularly surprising: the performance of std::list was significantly lower than expected. This prompted me to share insights on why std::list may not be the ideal choice for certain applications.

Benchmarks of std::list vs. std::vector and std::deque

Building on the results from my previous post, I decided to conduct further benchmarks to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these containers. Below is the code utilized for these benchmarks:

#include <benchmark/benchmark.h>

#include <list>

#include <vector>

#include <deque>

// Benchmark functions for vector, list, and deque

// ... (code remains unchanged)

The benchmark results were as follows:

In this video, we explore the implications of using "using namespace std" in C++ programming and why it's often seen as a poor practice.

Let's analyze the performance of the different containers based on the benchmark output:

Overview of Benchmark Results

The results from the benchmarks are as follows:

Benchmark Time CPU Iterations

BM_vector_push_back/8 16.0 ns 16.0 ns 42144195

BM_vector_push_back/64 130 ns 130 ns 5713682

BM_vector_push_back/4096 8397 ns 8396 ns 82078

BM_vector_push_back/65536 137274 ns 137268 ns 5603

BM_list_push_back/8 122 ns 122 ns 5516691

BM_list_push_back/64 667 ns 667 ns 1000000

BM_deque_push_back/8 12.4 ns 12.4 ns 58000329

The performance of pushing elements into a std::list is noticeably slower compared to std::vector. The best results were achieved with std::deque, which performed slightly better than std::vector.

Push and Pop Operations

For the pop_back operations:

Benchmark Time CPU Iterations

BM_vector_pop_back/8 0.000 ns 0.000 ns 1000000000

BM_list_pop_back/8 100 ns 100 ns 6795561

BM_deque_pop_back/8 7.23 ns 7.23 ns 98280521

The std::vector handles pop_back operations efficiently, while std::deque also outperforms std::list. This confirms that std::list is not the best option when it comes to performance.

In this video, we delve into the std::list template in C++, analyzing its features and use cases.

Why std::list Lags Behind

The underperformance of std::list can largely be attributed to cache misses. This is a well-documented phenomenon, and for an in-depth discussion, I recommend checking out Bjarne Stroustrup’s insights on the topic.

Conclusion

While std::list has its place, particularly for inserting elements in the middle of a sequence, it should generally be avoided in performance-critical scenarios. Instead, consider using std::vector or std::deque based on your specific requirements.

Share the page:

Twitter Facebook Reddit LinkIn

-----------------------

Recent Post:

Reconstructing the Genome of the Oldest Mammalian Ancestor

Scientists have reconstructed the genome of the earliest common ancestor of mammals, shedding light on their evolutionary journey.

Creating a Transformative Experience through Super-Grounding

Explore how super-grounding can enhance your creativity and self-awareness through sensory experiences.

generate a bold perspective on attention in the gym environment

Exploring the complex relationship between attention and empowerment for women in the gym.

Understanding the Relativity of Giftedness: Insights and Implications

Giftedness is a complex concept shaped by individual experiences, opportunities, and societal perceptions. Explore its relativity and implications for growth.

Why You Should Embrace Vim: The Ultimate Text Editor

Discover the benefits of using Vim, a powerful text editor favored by coders and writers alike.

Latvia Imposes Major Restrictions on Russian-Registered Vehicles

Latvia begins extensive restrictions on cars from Russia, with other nations likely to follow suit amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Unlock Financial Freedom with Your Personal AI Bot Today

Discover how to create and monetize your own AI bot for passive income in today's digital landscape.

Essential Strategies for Establishing a Thriving Ecommerce Store

Discover key strategies to create a successful ecommerce store in a competitive landscape.