Returning std::vector<std::string>, but sometimes only

Question

I have a function that returns a std::vector of std::strings. However if some check is not met at the beginning of the function, I bail out (for example there is no such user)

What would the correct semantics be for such a case, where I have nothing to return?

Is this an error condition or is it to be expected during normal operation of your program? — Richard Cook
– Richard Cook, Commented Aug 6, 2013 at 18:10
Maybe pass a vector<string> byref, fill it, and return a bool. — user529758
– user529758, Commented Aug 6, 2013 at 18:11
(In C, you would return a char ** and it would be NULL on error.) — user529758
– user529758, Commented Aug 6, 2013 at 18:12

Richard Cook · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-06 18:10:49Z

1

If this in an error condition, then you should throw an exception. If an empty list is considered normal operation, then return an empty vector. The answer will depend heavily on your application.

answered Aug 6, 2013 at 18:10

Richard Cook

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Caladan · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-06 19:16:39Z

0

In your case it's easy because you have std::vector which can be empty. If you want to mark a result to be invalid you can use boost::optional.

answered Aug 6, 2013 at 19:16

Caladan

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