> The biggest merit of STL is that is exists. The STL is a library of common algorithms and data structures that are decoupled from one another, and the comple

> The biggest merit of STL is that is exists. The STL is a library of common algorithms and data structures that are decoupled from one another, and the complexity of operations in the STL has been enshrined in to the C++ standard. These two achievements alone warrant granting it huge respect. Imho, it's the essence of great design and it should be the very first thing taught to programmers new to C++. > copying all sorts of patterns for their own sake because they are seen "as the standard way to do it". Yeah, Python programmers would never do anything like that. If they did they might all run around calling it being 'Pythonic' or something. > Object orientation and templates should not be considered the basic building blocks of the archictecture of a C++ program Just tools in the toolbox, and the amount of mileage you can get out of just these two features, along with other staples like RAII and function overloading is pretty astounding.