Array uses direct access of stored members, list uses sequencial access for members. //With Array you have direct access to memory position 5 Object x = a[5]; // x takes directly a reference to 5th element of array //With the list you have to cross all previous nodes in order to get the 5th node: list mylist; list::iterator it; for( it = list.begin() ; it != list.end() ; it++ ) { if( i==5) { x = *it; break; } i++; }
i am giving a comparative idea apart from singh_r85 post Array is collection of homogeneous elements. List is collection of heterogeneous elements. For Array memory allocated is static and continuous. For List memory allocated is dynamic and Random. Array: User need not have to keep in track of next memory allocation. List: User has to keep in Track of next location where memory is allocated.