Viewing source of library?
Is it possible to view the source code of library classes? Such as the string class?
I would like to learn exactly how they work, as it would be a good learning experience.
I would like to learn exactly how they work, as it would be a good learning experience.
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If you have to ask, you aren't ready. The STL is very complex, extremely tweaked for performance, the internal variable names are mangled almost indecipherably --even when you know what you are looking for, and each implementation is different (with some being inferior to others).
Learning how to look through the STL source is a good thing, but I don't recommend learning from it. It would prove confusing and inadvertently teach some bad habits.
I think (my opinion now!) that you would be better off writing your own string class. That way it only gets as complex as you can handle, and as you learn more you can modify it to do more.
But, to answer your question, change to your compiler's directory, and look under ~/include/C++. The STL will be somewhere under that. When you find string, open it up and follow the #includes. (Don't say I didn't warn you that there's a lot more to it than you'd think!)
Have fun!
Learning how to look through the STL source is a good thing, but I don't recommend learning from it. It would prove confusing and inadvertently teach some bad habits.
I think (my opinion now!) that you would be better off writing your own string class. That way it only gets as complex as you can handle, and as you learn more you can modify it to do more.
But, to answer your question, change to your compiler's directory, and look under ~/include/C++. The STL will be somewhere under that. When you find string, open it up and follow the #includes. (Don't say I didn't warn you that there's a lot more to it than you'd think!)
Have fun!
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