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### 565. `xsputn` inefficient

Section: 31.6.3.5.5 [streambuf.virt.put] Status: C++11 Submitter: Martin Sebor Opened: 2006-02-23 Last modified: 2016-01-28

Priority: Not Prioritized

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Discussion:

`streambuf::xsputn()` is specified to have the effect of "writing up to `n` characters to the output sequence as if by repeated calls to `sputc(c)`."

Since `sputc()` is required to call `overflow()` when `(pptr() == epptr())` is true, strictly speaking `xsputn()` should do the same. However, doing so would be suboptimal in some interesting cases, such as in unbuffered mode or when the buffer is `basic_stringbuf`.

Assuming calling `overflow()` is not really intended to be required and the wording is simply meant to describe the general effect of appending to the end of the sequence it would be worthwhile to mention in `xsputn()` that the function is not actually required to cause a call to `overflow()`.

[ 2009-07 Frankfurt ]

> Move to Ready.

Proposed resolution:

Add the following sentence to the `xsputn()` Effects clause in 27.5.2.4.5, p1 (N1804):

> -1- Effects: Writes up to `n` characters to the output sequence as if by repeated calls to `sputc(c)`. The characters written are obtained from successive elements of the array whose first element is designated by `s`. Writing stops when either `n` characters have been written or a call to `sputc(c)` would return `traits::eof()`. It is uspecified whether the function calls `overflow()` when `(pptr() == epptr())` becomes true or whether it achieves the same effects by other means.

In addition, I suggest to add a footnote to this function with the same text as Footnote 292 to make it extra clear that derived classes are permitted to override `xsputn()` for efficiency.

[ Kona (2007): We want to permit a `streambuf` that streams output directly to a device without making calls to `sputc` or `overflow`. We believe that has always been the intention of the committee. We believe that the proposed wording doesn't accomplish that. Proposed Disposition: Open ]