Does `std::vector::push_back()` Create Copies of Objects?

Does std::vector Copy Objects with push_back()?

After extensive analysis using Valgrind, it was concluded that std::vector performs a copy of objects inserted using push_back().

Internal Mechanism

Unlike the vector in C , which only operates on references, std::vector in C stores actual objects. This implies that each time push_back() is called, a copy of the inserted object is created and added to the vector's internal array.

Storage of Pointers

If you intend to store pointers within the vector, you should consider using std::vector instead of std::vector. This allows you to avoid copying the objects themselves, but it requires ensuring that the pointed-to objects remain valid throughout the vector's lifetime.

Smart Pointers

Smart pointers facilitate the management of object lifetime, thereby ensuring that the contained objects remain valid while referenced by the vector. They utilize the Resource Acquisition Is Initialization (RAII) idiom to automatically acquire and release resources.

In summary, std::vector::push_back() creates a copy of the inserted object, but utilizing smart pointers with std::vector enables you to store pointers without copying the underlying objects, ensuring their validity within the vector's lifetime.

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