[boost] [iterator] Re: counting_iterator<int>::difference_type

Subject: [boost] [iterator] Re: counting_iterator<int>::difference_type
From: Arno Schödl (aschoedl_at_[hidden])
Date: 2010-04-13 06:14:23

> > counting_iterator<int>::difference_type is __int64 by default. I understand the underlying rationale, but I am not sure whether it is the right choice given the existing practice of C/C++. The problem of int minus int overflowing is not restricted to counting_iterator. Still, C/C++ chose to make int minus int -> int, probably for performance reasons. So why shouldn't counting_iterator by default behave the same way? If someone needs something else, she can still override the default.

> You are able to override the difference_type by providing your own type. 
> See:
> boost::counting_iterator<int,boost::use_default,int>::difference_type

I know and I did it already. I just want to question whether the default is sensible, given the rest of the language.

Arno

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