> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mr-poston-1.gitbook.io/c++/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mr-poston-1.gitbook.io/c++/5.-sets-and-maps/5.4-maps/5.4.1-maps.md).

# 5.4.1 Maps

When you think of a map, you often think of cities, roads, and highways. In computer science, maps mean something a little different!

Maps are a very useful data structure utilizing a key instead of an index. Like sets, they store data in a manner that is easy and efficient to access.