The collection classes CMap, CList, and CArray use templated global helper functions for such purposes as constructing, destroying, and serializing elements. As part of your implementation of classes based on CMap, CList, and CArray, you must override these functions as necessary with versions tailored to the type of data stored in your map, list, or array. For information on overriding ConstructElements, DestructElements, and SerializeElements, see the article Collections: How to Make a Type-Safe Collection in Visual C++ Programmer's Guide.
The Microsoft Foundation Class Library provides the following global functions to help you customize your collection classes:
Collection Class Helpers
| CompareElements | Indicates whether elements are the same. |
| ConstructElements | Performs any action necessary when an element is constructed. |
| CopyElements | Copies elements from one array to another. |
| DestructElements | Performs any action necessary when an element is destroyed. |
| DumpElements | Provides stream-oriented diagnostic output. |
| HashKey | Calculates a hash key. |
| SerializeElements | Stores or retrieves elements to or from an archive. |