PRB: Including STL.H Causes Compiler Errors

• The Standard C++ Library, included with: Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Edition, version 4.2

SYMPTOMS

Programs that include "STL.H" generate different compiler errors, depending on the STL template class you try to instantiate. The compiler errors are all in STL header files. The sample code below illustrates some of these errors.

CAUSE

STL.H contains typographical and syntax errors.

RESOLUTION

STL.H was included with Visual C++ 4.2 by mistake. It is not part of the ANSI standard for Standard C++ Libraries and should not be used. Instead, include the individual header files associated with the particular STL component(s) the program is using. The sample code below, for example, will compile and run correctly if "#include <stl.h>" is changed to "#include <vector>."

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code

/* Compile options needed:
*/

//workaround: change the following line to #include <vector>
#include <stl.h>

//workaround: change the "typedef" to:
//typedef vector<int, allocator<int> > INTVECT;

void main()

     INTVECT ivect;