Core · Module 7 · Lesson 6 of 11
Iterator Categories, Invalidation and Ranges
Match algorithms to iterator capability, reason about lifetime and invalidation, and bridge classic iterator pairs with C++20 ranges.
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By the end you can
- Distinguish input, output, forward, bidirectional, random-access and contiguous iterators
- Predict when mutation invalidates an iterator, reference or range sentinel
- Interoperate safely between classic algorithms and ranges
Builds on Classic Algorithms: Predicates, Iterators and Output Ranges.
01 · A question first
The same predicate should inspect a vector, a list and a generated view. It cannot assume that every cursor can jump, go backward or be copied. Iterator categories are the capability contract that makes generic code honest.
Make a guess before you read on.
02 · The idea
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What's inside
- Capability, not container name
- Invalidation is a lifetime contract
- Classic and ranges algorithms
- Preconditions and testing
- Where it is used
- Designing range-taking APIs
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