Possible to re-name STL vector?

Question

I am working on a very big and old C++ project. The word "vector" has been used all over the place. I am now trying to add new functionality to the project utilizing STL vector. This is not working. In addition, I am only allowed to modify specific sections of the code, so I can not change their use of "vector".

Is there a way to rename STL vector and use it?

Currently I have "using namespace std" at the top of the file. Will things work if I use std::vector instead? — user1247549, Mar 08 '12 at 17:42
@user1247549: Yes, get rid of `using` and always qualify with `std::`, and you should be fine. — Mike Seymour, Mar 08 '12 at 17:47

ulidtko · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-08T17:53:59.663

15

Use C++ namespaces.

#include <vector>

// note the absence of `using namespace std;` line

int main() {
    // note the `std::` qualification
    std::vector<int> x;

    // ...
}

edited Mar 08 '12 at 17:53

answered Mar 08 '12 at 17:42

ulidtko

14,740
10
56
88

Mike Seymour · Answer 2 · 2012-03-08T19:15:44.457

5

As long as you don't put using namespace std; anywhere (which is not a great thing to do anyway), there will be no conflict between ::std::vector and any other vector.

I'm assuming that this infinite wisdom didn't extend to declaring names inside std; in that case, my best advice is to run away. I'm also assuming that you're talking about the modern C++ library, not the STL which (I think) didn't have its own namespace.

edited Mar 08 '12 at 19:15

answered Mar 08 '12 at 17:46

Mike Seymour

249,747
28
448
644

I don't think the compiler would let you declare another vector in std. – Luchian Grigore Mar 08 '12 at 17:48
@LuchianGrigore: It will, if you don't include the library's declaration. – Mike Seymour Mar 08 '12 at 17:51
True, but then there's no conflict to speak of. – Luchian Grigore Mar 08 '12 at 17:54
@LuchianGrigore: There will be if you're given the task of adding code that needs to use `std::vector` - which is what the question is all about. – Mike Seymour Mar 08 '12 at 18:04

score 3 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 08 '12 at 17:42

3

Remove the using namespace std; from the beginning of the file, and add std:: in the code wherever is needed:

std::cout << "debug" << std::endl;
std::vector<std::string> simple_vector;

answered Mar 08 '12 at 17:42

karlphillip

92,053
36
243
426

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Mar 08 '12 at 17:43

1

Just refer to it using the full name std::vector.

In C++11, you could also use a using statement.

answered Mar 08 '12 at 17:43

dan04

87,747
23
163
198

2

You can use `using` prior to C++11 also. – Luchian Grigore Mar 08 '12 at 17:45

score -1 · Answer 5 · answered Mar 08 '12 at 17:45

-1

Don't do this.

#define vector stdVector
#include <vector>
#undef vector

End of don't do this

You can either use namespaces to qualify your version of vector or the one from std, after you remove the using directives.

answered Mar 08 '12 at 17:45

Luchian Grigore

253,575
64
457
625

Possible to re-name STL vector?

5 Answers5