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### 1192. `basic_string` missing definitions for `cbegin` / `cend` / `crbegin` / `crend`

Section: 21.3.3.4 [string.iterators] Status: C++11 Submitter: Jonathan Wakely Opened: 2009-08-14 Last modified: 2016-01-28

Priority: Not Prioritized

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Discussion:

Unlike the containers in clause 23, `basic_string` has definitions for `begin()` and `end()`, but these have not been updated to include `cbegin`, `cend`, `crbegin` and `crend`.

[ 2009-10-28 Howard: ]

> Moved to Tentatively NAD after 5 positive votes on c++std-lib. Added rationale.

[ 2009-10-28 Alisdair disagrees: ]

> I'm going to have to speak up as the dissenting voice.

> I agree the issue could be handled editorially, and that would be my preference if Pete feels this is appropriate. Failing that, I really think this issue should be accepted and moved to ready. The other begin/end functions all have a semantic definition for this template, and it is confusing if a small few are missing.

> I agree that an alternative would be to strike all the definitions for `begin/end/rbegin/rend` and defer completely to the requirements tables in clause 23. I think that might be confusing without a forward reference though, as those tables are defined in a later clause than the `basic_string` template itself. If someone wants to pursue this I would support it, but recommend it as a separate issue.

> So my preference is strongly to move Ready over NAD, and a stronger preference for NAD Editorial if Pete is happy to make these changes.

[ 2009-10-29 Howard: ]

> Moved to Tentatively Ready after 5 positive votes on c++std-lib. Removed rationale to mark it NAD. :-)

Proposed resolution:

Add to 21.3.3.4 [string.iterators]

>     iterator       begin();
>     const_iterator begin() const;
>     const_iterator cbegin() const;

> ...

>     iterator       end();
>     const_iterator end() const;
>     const_iterator cend() const;

> ...

>     reverse_iterator       rbegin();
>     const_reverse_iterator rbegin() const;
>     const_reverse_iterator crbegin() const;

> ...

>     reverse_iterator       rend();
>     const_reverse_iterator rend() const;
>     const_reverse_iterator crend() const;