Does std::list::clear invalidate std::list::end iterator?
c++, stdlist, stl, visual-studio-2012
Solution
Other answers point out that, in general, you can't rely on a container's past-the-end iterator remaining valid when the container is cleared. However, the past-the-end iterator of a list should indeed remain valid:
C++11 23.3.5.4/3 Effects: Invalidates only the iterators and references to the erased elements.
The past-the-end iterator does not refer to any element, so should not be invalidated.
Problem
Check this code: ``` #include "stdafx.h" #include <list> int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[]) { std::list<int> mylist; mylist.push_back(1); std::list<int>::iterator i = mylist.end(); if( i == mylist.end() ) printf( "end is end\n" ); mylist.clear(); if( i == mylist.end() ) printf( "never get here because Microsoft seems to " "think the iterator is no longer safe.\n" ); return 0; } ``` Now, according to cplusplus.com this shouldn't be a problem, and in release mode, I think this is fine and doesn't cause any issues really, but debugging becomes impossible as this just bails without letting me continue. Any pointers?