Write C++ container that fits neatly into STL

I would like to write a container class in a style which fits very neatly into STL. It should look and 开发者_开发问答behave as if it where a standard STL container.

Is there a manual, report, Q&A, etc., out there that describes how to write code with these set of features? Such a text should compromise design principles of the STL, pitfalls, coding conventions, and the like.

PS: This question has been partly inspired by that one: C++ vector with dynamic item size although that idea is not about template classes.

It is not very difficult (for simple data stuctures). You should read the chapter about containers in the C++ standard. You can download the draft of the upcoming C++1x standard here :

http://www.open-std.org/jtc1/sc22/wg21/docs/papers/2011/#mailing2011-04

http://www.open-std.org/jtc1/sc22/wg21/docs/papers/2011/n3242.pdf

You might want to use boost::iterateror_facade when writing the iterators.

http://www.boost.org/doc/libs/1_46_1/libs/iterator/doc/iterator_facade.html

I recommend reading Herb Sutter's "Unstrung". It's an in-depth look at std::string, covering what went right and what could've been done better. I highly value his opinion on C++ programming matters. It's a long read, but I guarantee you'll learn a few useful things about writing classes in the style of the C++ standard library (and about writing classes in general).

You could also take a look at Scott Meyers' Effective STL. That book will give you a good overview of the expectations levied on the users of standard library containers. Having that insight will help you write better container classes yourself.

I'd recommending reading Josuttis, The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference. It gives clear and easy to read explanations of the principles behind STL.

Besides the one recommended by user763305, I would also look at Austern, Generic Programmming and the STL: Using and Extending the C++ Standard Template Library. It discusses these sorts of issues and serves as a good reference for the concepts in STL.