277. Normative encouragement in allocator requirements unclear

Section: 16.4.4.6 [allocator.requirements] Status: NAD Submitter: Matt Austern Opened: 2000-11-07 Last modified: 2016-01-28

Priority: Not Prioritized

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Discussion:

In 20.1.5, paragraph 5, the standard says that "Implementors are encouraged to supply libraries that can accept allocators that encapsulate more general memory models and that support non-equal instances." This is intended as normative encouragement to standard library implementors. However, it is possible to interpret this sentence as applying to nonstandard third-party libraries.

Proposed resolution:

In 20.1.5, paragraph 5, change "Implementors" to "Implementors of the library described in this International Standard".

Rationale:

The LWG believes the normative encouragement is already sufficiently clear, and that there are no important consequences even if it is misunderstood.