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

• The Standard C++ Library, included with:
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions, versions 6.0, 4.2, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

The string::insert 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:

s.insert(0, string("b"), 1); 

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

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

void f1()
 {
  string s ("abc");
  s.insert (0, s, 1, 1);
  cout << "s (should be 'babc'): " << s << endl << endl;
 }

int main ()
  {
    f1();// prints "aabc" instead of "babc"
    return 0 ;
  } 

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbprg kbVC420 kbVC500 kbVC600 STLIss
Version : 4.2 5.0
Platform : NT WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb