The class definition for istream_iterator in 24.5.1 shows operator*,
operator->, and operator++ (prefix and postfix) as members. It doesn't
have any // exposition only comment. Is this overspecified? Can they be
implemented as free functions?

According to 17.3.1.2/3 [lib.structure.requirements]:

     Interface convention requirements are stated as generally as
possible. Instead of stating       class X has to define a member function
operator++(),       the interface requires       for any object x of class X,
++x is defined.       That is, whether the operator is a member is unspecified.

So, does this apply to istream_iterator, even when the class definition
shows operator++ to be a member?

Ditto for ostream_iterator, istreambuf_iterator and ostreambuf_iterator.

--
Eric Niebler
Boost Consulting
www.boost-consulting.com

The Astoria Seminar ==> http://www.astoriaseminar.com

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