iterator question

The problem is that you're returning an iterator to a local variable......

This is like returning a pointer to a local array (An iterator could be considered as a pointer to an element of the vector).

when you make

void function()
{
   MyClassArray MyClassVar;
   MyClassArray::iterator ppMyClass;
}

The myClssVar is a local variable, so it is stored in the stack...........
when the function exits, all the stack is released.....

so, if you return an iterator (or let's say a pointer), you're referencing memory that after the function exits, is not going to be available

This is why I believe that .net is giving an error. (I believe that MsVC6 didn't take this as an error).

Hope it's clear enough

Tincho

It depends in your code, but a way of solving this is passing the array as a parameter to the function, so it will be available even after the function exits....

A way of solving this is......

MyClassArray::iterator function( MyClassArray & MyClassVar )
{
  MyClassArray::iterator ppMyClass;

  // Your code

  return ppMyClass;
}

and you would call it like this


MyClassArray MyClassVar;
MyClassArray::iterator ppMyClass = function( MyClassVar );

that makes sense, but leads to my next question...
what should I be returning?  What I am looking for is to get the address of the pointer to MyClassVar item in the vector, which is what I was treating the iterator value as.
Thank You

I'm not sure if you read my last post...........

You can return an iterator, but there are two ways of solving it

one way is to pass a reference to the array as a parameter (like I said)

another way would be to allocate the array in the heap
MyClassArray *MyClassVar = new MyClassArray();

and in this case you won't have problem in returning iterators to the array.....
(as the array is stored in the heap, it won't get destroyed when the function exits)........



Finally, I just wanted to add that if I were you I would choose the solution in the previous post, as you won't have problem in freeing the memory allocated with new (which you will have if you use this second possibility)

sorry, I posted my followup before refreshing the browser window.  I will look into
doing this with our complete app and either post followup questions or grade your response.
Thank You

Ok, just let me know marvinm

see ur STL of vs6 and .net they are different STL library i guess...

tinchos, thank you for your help as well.
rstaveley's comment pointed me more in the correct direction though.
Thank You

Ok marvinm, glad you could solve your problem