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### 564. `stringbuf` seekpos underspecified

Section: 29.8.2.5 [stringbuf.virtuals] Status: C++11 Submitter: Martin Sebor Opened: 2006-02-23 Last modified: 2016-01-28

Priority: Not Prioritized

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Discussion:

The effects of the `seekpos()` member function of `basic_stringbuf` simply say that the function positions the input and/or output sequences but fail to spell out exactly how. This is in contrast to the detail in which `seekoff()` is described.

[ 2009-07 Frankfurt ]

> Move to Ready.

Proposed resolution:

Change 27.7.1.3, p13 to read:

> -13- Effects: Equivalent to `seekoff(off_type(sp), ios_base::beg, which)`. Alters the stream position within the controlled sequences, if possible, to correspond to the stream position stored in `sp` (as described below).

> - If `(which & ios_base::in) != 0`, positions the input sequence.
> - If `(which & ios_base::out) != 0`, positions the output sequence.
> - If `sp` is an invalid stream position, or if the function positions neither sequence, the positioning operation fails. If `sp` has not been obtained by a previous successful call to one of the positioning functions (`seekoff`, `seekpos`, `tellg`, `tellp`) the effect is undefined.

[ Kona (2007): A `pos_type` is a position in a stream by definition, so there is no ambiguity as to what it means. Proposed Disposition: NAD ]

[ Post-Kona Martin adds: I'm afraid I disagree with the Kona '07 rationale for marking it NAD. The only text that describes precisely what it means to position the input or output sequence is in `seekoff()`. The `seekpos()` Effects clause is inadequate in comparison and the proposed resolution plugs the hole by specifying `seekpos()` in terms of `seekoff()`. ]