Iterators

An iterator is a generalized pointer used to traverse the elements of a collection, whether they are contained in an STL container, a regular C array, or a C++ IOStream. At any point in time, an iterator is positioned at exactly one place in a collection and remains positioned at that location until instructed to move.

This chapter provides an overview of iterators, as well as the topics listed below.

An example illustrating the similarity between STL iterators and regular C pointers
A discussion of iterator categories
A hierarchy of iterators
An overview of iterator behavior
A discussion of using basic iterators
A discussion of const , reverse, and random access iterators

STL Iterators and Regular C Pointers

Categories of Iterator

Iterators

STL Iterators and Regular C Pointers

Categories of Iterator

Hierarchy of Iterators

Iterator Behaviors

Using Basic Iterators

Const Iterators

Reverse Iterators

Random Access Iterators