Metrowerks Standard Library (MSL) C++ is based on the ANSI/ISO proposed C++ standard. This C++ Standard is implemented using templates, which have a large initial overhead for specialization.

To avoid this overhead, you may want to devise your own vector, string, or other utility classes that you use commonly. In addition, there are other class libraries available, such as the NIH's (National Institute of Health) Class Library. These may be more suitable for your work.

If you do use an alternative library, keep in mind possible problems with virtual inheritance, RTTI, or other causes of larger code size that we described above.