Language and Standard Library

Primary lookup sites

• cppreference: the main day-to-day lookup site for standard library APIs, language syntax, named requirements, and header contents.
• C++ standard library overview on Microsoft Learn: useful when you want library notes in the MSVC ecosystem.

Best use cases

• Use cppreference for quick checks of signatures, iterator invalidation, complexity, feature-test macros, and header relationships.
• Use vendor library docs when behavior, implementation notes, or platform integration details matter.

Practical habit

• Keep one reference tab open while reading handbook pages so you can cross-check APIs without losing context.

When to start here

• you need fast confirmation of a signature, header, complexity rule, or invalidation note
• you are comparing handbook guidance with an authoritative library or language reference
• you want a vendor-specific library note after checking the general rule first

Fast lookup workflow

1. Start with cppreference for the general rule, signature, or header.
2. Check vendor docs when the issue involves implementation notes, platform behavior, or ecosystem-specific guidance.
3. Return to the handbook when you want the broader teaching context or surrounding tradeoffs.