CODEWITHSUNDEEP
c++stringcstring
bsruth
bsruth

Reputation: 5502

Pros and Cons of different string types in C++

Sorry to start another of those unanswerable questions on SO, but I'm just curious as to the pros and cons of all the different string types in C++. My particular question is between MFC's CStrings and std::string (since I'm doing Windows only software), but this would extend to any of the string formats in C++. What do you all thing is the best string type to use in C++ and why?

UPDATE: I actually found a duplicate question. Thanks to those who already answered. Please direct any new responses to this other question: How do you handle strings in C++?

Upvotes: 3

Views: 2085

Answers (5)

oz10
oz10

Reputation: 158364

To summarize...

std::string Pros:

  • Portable
  • STL & Boost Algorithm Support
  • Safer than CStrings

std::string Cons:

  • Conversion to CString for MFC could be slower

CString Pros:

  • MFC functions optimized for CString

CString Cons:

  • Not Portable
  • No Boost or STL Algorithm Support

Upvotes: 3

Hippiehunter
Hippiehunter

Reputation: 975

std::string can be manipulated by boost string algorithms in addition to the ones in STL. For me the support libraries for std::string just beat MFC hands down.

Upvotes: 1

Mark Ransom
Mark Ransom

Reputation: 308206

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you're using MFC, use CString because the classes are all optimized for it. Anything else, use std::string, because it's the standard and you'll find the experience useful in other contexts.

Upvotes: 7

Joe Soul-bringer
Joe Soul-bringer

Reputation: 3304

Most of the problems with c++ string types come from one or another string type requiring too large a memory overhead. That said, it also can become onerous if you have to convert from one string type to another. If you are building a large app, I suggest having a policy on which strings to use.

Upvotes: 0

Alan
Alan

Reputation: 46833

std::string

  1. It's part of the STL
  2. It's portable.
  3. Used correctly it can be as efficient as c-strings
  4. It's safer than c-strings.

Upvotes: 5

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