Final answer:
The answer to whether the vector class automatically expands depends on the programming language, but in C++, the vector class indeed automatically expands to accommodate new elements. Vectors use a strategy to minimize reallocations by increasing capacity in larger increments.OPTION C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to whether the vector class in programming languages automatically expands. The correct answer is C) Depends on the programming language. However, in languages like C++, where the vector class is part of the Standard Template Library (STL), the vector does indeed automatically expand to accommodate new elements.
When you insert elements into a vector in C++, if the number of elements exceeds the current capacity of the vector, it will automatically allocate more memory to increase its capacity. This is typically done by creating a new, larger array, copying the existing elements to the new array, and then deallocating the old array. Despite this automatic resizing, it is important to note that frequent resizing can be inefficient due to the cost of reallocations and copying. To minimize this overhead, vectors use a growth strategy that typically doubles the capacity with each reallocation, reducing the total number of reallocations required as the vector grows.