STL in debug mode?

[Matthias]

Hi,

I have just read in another thread (didn't want to hijack it) that STL
containers may operate more safe in "debug builds". Are we talking about
a debug build when the _DEBUG flag is set (on gcc)? I have grep'ed for
_DEBUG in all files of my STL implementation but couldn't come up with
anything.
How do I enable the STL to work in debug mode?

I am using the GNU C++ implementation, gcc 3.4.3.

 

[Ivan Vecerina]

I have just read in another thread (didn't want to hijack it) that STL
containers may operate more safe in "debug builds". Are we talking about a
debug build when the _DEBUG flag is set (on gcc)?

This is an implementation-specific feature. It will typically require
compiling (your application, and eventually library files) with a specific
macro defined.
STLport (www.stlport.org) had pioneered the implementation of such a
debug mode, with extensive range checking, validation of all iterators
and ranges, etc. It can be used with a wide range of compilers.

I have grep'ed for _DEBUG in all files of my STL implementation but
couldn't come up with anything.
How do I enable the STL to work in debug mode?

I think some vendors/platforms have started to include functionality
similar to that of STLport. But I don't know about gcc.
You probably should ask about its status on a platform-specific forum...

Ivan