How can I expose iterators without exposing the container used?

Question

I have been using C# for a while now, and going back to C++ is a headache. I am trying to get some of my practices from C# with me to C++, but I am finding some resistance and I would be glad to accept your help.

I would like to expose an iterator for a class like this:

template <class T>
class MyContainer
{
public:
    // Here is the problem:
    // typedef for MyIterator without exposing std::vector publicly?

    MyIterator Begin() { return mHiddenContainerImpl.begin(); }
    MyIterator End() { return mHiddenContainerImpl.end(); }

private:
    std::vector<T> mHiddenContainerImpl;
};

Am I trying at something that isn't a problem? Should I just typedef std::vector< T >::iterator? I am hoping on just depending on the iterator, not the implementing container...

Answer 1

You may find the following article interesting as it addresses exactly the problem you have posted: On the Tension Between Object-Oriented and Generic Programming in C++ and What Type Erasure Can Do About It