# container class

CEFR C2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/container-class
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a special type of data structure in computer programming that holds and organizes other objects. It helps programmers manage groups of items like lists or sets efficiently.

For teachers: a data structure or data type whose instances are collections of other objects. Typically provides methods for adding, removing, and iterating over its elements while managing the underlying memory and storage logic.

## Examples

- A list is a common container class used in many programs.
- The developer chose a specific container class to store the user data because it allowed for very fast searching and sorting.
- When designing high-performance software, selecting the appropriate container class is critical, as the underlying complexity of its insertion and retrieval operations can significantly impact the overall system latency.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of object-oriented programming (OOP) and standard libraries like C++ STL or Java Collections.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.