Types of iterators in the STL
In the Standard Template Library (STL), iterators play a pivotal role by connecting algorithms to containers. They provide a means for developers to traverse, access, and potentially modify the elements of a container. Iterators are essential tools for efficient data manipulation in the STL. However, they aren’t uniform in their functionalities. The STL delineates iterators into five primary types, each offering varying access and control over the elements. This section will get into these iterator types, elaborating on their distinct capabilities and uses.
Input iterators
Input iterators (LegacyInputIterator) are the starting point in exploring iterator types. They represent the foundational category of iterators. As their name implies, input iterators focus on reading and progressing through elements. They enable developers to advance to the subsequent element in the container and retrieve its value. It’s crucial to note that revisiting...