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Differences between STL and other C++ libraries

  The most important difference between STL and all other C++ container class libraries is that most STL algorithms are generic: they work on a variety of containers and even on ordinary C++ arrays. A key factor in the library design is the consistent use of iterators, which generalize C++ pointers, as intermediaries between algorithms and containers. A precise classification of iterators into five categories is the basis for determining which algorithms can be used with which containers, and is the main guide to extension of the library to include new algorithms that work with STL containers, or new containers to which many STL generic algorithms can be applied.



Kenny Zalewski
Mon May 13 04:03:40 EDT 1996