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 work together in a consistent manner.

Can you give me an example of compatible iterators?

Sure! For instance, a vector iterator and a list iterator are compatible if they both support the same operations like incrementing and dereferencing, but they cannot be used interchangeably in algorithms that require random access.

What happens if I try to use incompatible iterators?

If you use incompatible iterators, you may encounter compilation errors or runtime exceptions, as the algorithms may not be able to process the iterators correctly.

How can I check if two iterators are compatible?

You can check iterator compatibility by ensuring they belong to the same container type or by using type traits in C++ to verify their properties.