https://shio-chan-dev.github.io/jeanblog/tags/loops/Recent content in Loops on Jeanphilo BlogHugo -- 0.159.2en-usTue, 30 Dec 2025 18:12:00 +0800https://shio-chan-dev.github.io/jeanblog/dev/c++/size_t-why-not-int-loop/Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:12:00 +0800https://shio-chan-dev.github.io/jeanblog/dev/c++/size_t-why-not-int-loop/<h1 id="what-is-size_"><strong>What Is size_t? Why C++ Loops Prefer size_t Over int</strong></h1> <h3 id="subtitle--abstract">Subtitle / Abstract</h3> <p>When you iterate containers with a <code>for</code> loop, <code>size_t</code> is often safer and closer to the intended meaning than <code>int</code>. This post uses the ACERS structure to explain what <code>size_t</code> is, why it is used, the common pitfalls, and practical patterns for production C++.</p> <h3 id="meta">Meta</h3> <ul> <li>Reading time: 8-10 minutes</li> <li>Tags: C++, size_t, type system, loops, STL</li> <li>SEO keywords: size_t usage, size_t vs int, C++ loop initialization, size_t underflow</li> <li>Meta description: Explain size_t and why loops often use it, with safe patterns and engineering scenarios.</li> </ul> <h3 id="target-readers">Target readers</h3> <ul> <li>C++ beginners who are new to <code>size_t</code>, <code>sizeof</code>, and container <code>size()</code> return types</li> <li>Mid-level engineers who have seen <code>-Wsign-compare</code> warnings or unsigned underflow bugs</li> <li>Engineers writing cross-platform or high-performance C++</li> </ul> <h3 id="background--motivation">Background / Motivation</h3> <p>In C++ code, you often see loops like:</p>