C++ create a char* iterator

Question

I like to write container agnostic code that uses std methods like std::distance() or std::advance() in my code. This is useful for deserialization where I can pass in buffer objects of different types (network stream, byte stream, ...).

How can I convert char* or uint8_t* pointers to an iterator? Copying the data to a buffer is not an option.

One option I have in mind is to use a custom allocator with std::string but I'd prefer a more ready made solution if available.
Any suggestions?

Pointers *are* iterators - the most general ones even, *random access*. — Xeo, Jun 28 '13 at 10:46
Pointers are iterators. Just take care to handle `end()` correctly — towi, Aug 12 '13 at 15:43

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 28 '13 at 10:50

3

Nevermind. Those pointers work as iterators anyway because they implement the basic functionality.

answered Jun 28 '13 at 10:50

genjix

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score 3 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 11:52

There are several types of iterators, specified by what properties they have (functionality they support) - there is a nice overview here http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/iterator/

Random access iterators require to implement all the iterator functionality seen in that table.

Raw pointers do in fact support all the operations and are therefore random access ~~operators~~ iterators and can be used for all STL algorithms and containers. Also discussed here Can raw pointers be used instead of iterators with STL algorithms for containers with linear storage?.

Although not necessary, it might still be useful to implement an iterator wrapper for your pointers - this is also discussed in the answers to the question above.

[cppreference](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/iterator)'s iterator page may also be useful. Less friendly, but tends to be more reliable. — Yakk - Adam Nevraumont, Jun 28 '13 at 12:10

C++ create a char* iterator

2 Answers2