# Introduction

The String Algorithm Library provides a generic implementation of string-related algorithms which are missing in STL. It is an extension to the algorithms library of STL and it includes trimming, case conversion, predicates and find/replace functions. All of them come in different variants so it is easier to choose the best fit for a particular need.

The implementation is not restricted to work with a particular container (like `std::basic_string`), rather it is as generic as possible. This generalization is not compromising the performance since algorithms are using container specific features when it means a performance gain.

Important note: In this documentation we use term string to designate a sequence of characters stored in an arbitrary container. A string is not restricted to `std::basic_string` and character does not have to be `char` or `wchar_t`, although these are most common candidates. Consult the design chapter to see precise specification of supported string types.

The library interface functions and classes are defined in namespace `boost::algorithm`, and they are lifted into namespace `boost` via using declaration.

The documentation is divided into several sections. For a quick start read the Usage section followed by Quick Reference. The Design Topics, Concepts and Rationale provide some explanation about the library design and structure an explain how it should be used. See the Reference for the complete list of provided utilities and algorithms. Functions and classes in the reference are organized by the headers in which they are defined. The reference contains links to the detailed description for every entity in the library.