How Can I Efficiently Store Boolean Values in a C Vector?

Avoiding the Pitfalls of vector

Storing boolean values efficiently in a C vector can be a challenge, as the standard vector specialization treats each value as a single bit. This limits the functionality and complicates the process of converting it to a C-style array.

Alternative Storage Methods

To overcome this issue, consider the following alternatives:

1. Using a Vector of Characters (vector):

By using a vector, each boolean value is represented by a single byte, providing a more efficient storage solution and eliminating the need for bitwise manipulation.

2. Employing a Wrapper Class (vector):

You can wrap your boolean values in a custom class, allowing you to access the C-array-like functionality through the wrapper methods. However, this approach may introduce alignment issues that require reading into an intermediary variable.

3. Utilizing an Alternative Vector Implementation

Libraries such as Boost Container provide alternative vector implementations that do not specialize on boolean values. This allows you to use a vector without the limitations of the standard implementation.

Determining the Best Approach

If you require random access but do not need the c_array() method, deque serves as a suitable alternative to vector. It supports efficient random access and does not suffer from the limitations of vector.

Additional Considerations

• Dynamic sizing is supported in all the suggested approaches.
• It is important to note that vector specialization is an optimization that trades off compactness for efficiency. In situations where memory consumption or alignment are not critical, it may be acceptable to use vector without specialized semantics.

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