PRB: STL string Class replace Function Does Not Work as Expected

 Last reviewed: July 24, 1997
Article ID: Q168377
The information in this article applies to:
  • The Standard C++ Library included with: - Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, versions 4.2, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

The string::replace member function does not work as expected. This is because the same string object is used for modification and input. Many data manipulation routines do not check for overlapping or identical arguments, causing unexpected results.

RESOLUTION

Create a temporary copy of the string as shown below: 

   s1.replace (1,2,string("c"));

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

The sample code below demonstrates the behavior reported in the SYMPTOMS section. 

    #include <iostream>
    #include <string>
    using namespace std ;

    void f1()
     {
      string s ("abcd");
      s.replace (1,2,s,2,1);
      cout << "s (should be 'acd'): " << s << endl << endl;
     }

    int main ()
     {
       f1();// prints "add" instead of "acd"
       return 0 ;
     }

Keywords : STLIss
Version : 4.2 5.0
Platform : NT WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb

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Last reviewed: July 24, 1997
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