Difference between vector and list in c plus plus?

Answer 1

Although they share many of the same features, there are many differences. For instance, a list does not have an index operator [] while a vector does not have a merge method. If in doubt, simply look at the variable's declaration -- it will explicitly state whether the variable is a list or a vector (or indeed some other STL container), along with the type of data that it contains. Ultimately a vector is just an array, ideally suited to random access, whereas a list is ideally suited to sequential access.

Answer 2

They are both standard library template classes that can be used as data containers. A vector is essentially an array template that allows constant time access to any element in the vector and can expand dynamically and more efficiently than a C-style array. There is no need to keep track of the size of the array as the length is encapsulated within the vector, thus passing vectors into functions is much easier and much safer than passing arrays. The template's methods and operators also provide a rich set of functions that make them easier to work with.

A list is essentially a doubly-linked list template that allows constant time access to the head or tail of the list, and includes all the functionality you would expect of a list, including sorting and traversal.