What is iterator compatibility in C++?

What is iterator compatibility in C++?

Iterator compatibility in C++ refers to the ability of different iterator types to be used interchangeably in algorithms. It ensures that iterators can be used with the same operations, like incrementing or dereferencing.

Can you give me an example of compatible iterators?

Sure! For instance, a vector iterator and a list iterator are compatible in terms of the operations they support, but they cannot be used interchangeably because they point to different container types.

What happens if I try to use incompatible iterators?

If you try to use incompatible iterators, you may encounter compilation errors or runtime errors, as the operations defined for one iterator type may not be valid for another.

How can I ensure my custom iterator is compatible?

To ensure your custom iterator is compatible, implement the required iterator traits and operations, such as increment, dereference, and equality comparison, according to the iterator category you are targeting.