ostream/istream iterators

[Anmol444]

How can they be classified as iterators?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iterator

The Wikipedia definition says:

"In computer programming, an iterator is an object that enables a programmer to traverse a container."

So why are they classified as iterators cause they aren't really letting you traverse a container???

I tried to do some research but after 2 hours of pounding my head I came back to the forum. I am really confused now.

Can someone please help me!

[Zhuge]

To put it simply, the iterators are letting you traverse the stream as if it were a container.

[Anmol444]

Oh ok, that makes sense. I shall go with that for now. Thanks!

[kbw]

The cool thing about them is that they make input or output streams look like containers. That allows you to use the relevant standard algorithms to read/write them.

[Anmol444]

Thanks guys!