crossbreed of boost::array & std::vector

From: rwgk_at_[hidden]
Date: 2001-09-07 12:18:04

I have an application where it would be convenient to
use std::vector for a variety of purposes. However,
most of the vectors are tiny, and the dynamic memory
management overhead is significant.
boost::array is generally a better fit, but then I have
to keep track of the actual number of elements in a custom
way (array::size() is a static function), and push_back()
etc. are not available.
What I really want is a type which looks just like
vector, but uses a built-in array (on the stack) rather
than new/delete. I see two choices:
1. Replicate std::vector based on boost::array.
     This does not seem very elegant...
2. provide a custom STL allocator for use with std::vector.
     After staring at Josuttis chapter 15 for a while
     I came to the preliminary conclusion that this
     approach will not work because the allocator
     necessarily has to do some kind of dynamic allocation.
Questions:
  - Are the alternative approaches (or even solutions)?
  - Would a well worked out "array_vector" or "static_vector"
    be a useful addition to boost?

Thanks!
        Ralf