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The C++ Standard Template Library is the flagship example for libraries based on the generic programming paradigm. The usage of this library is intended to minimize classical C/C++ errors, but does not warrant bug-free programs. Furthermore, many new kinds of errors may arise from the inaccurate use of the generic programming paradigm, like dereferencing invalid iterators or misunderstanding remove-like algorithms.In this paper we present some typical scenarios that may cause undefined or weird behaviour. We present approaches that can be used for developing different safe iterators to avoid run-time errors. Some of these iterators are able to manipulate the container directly, hence they cannot result in undefined behaviour when an algorithm needs to add elements to the container or delete elements from the container. Our iterators are able to indicate if they are invalid. Algorithms' preconditions are evaluated with our iterators.

The C++ Standard Template Library (STL) is the most well-known and widely used library that is based on the generic programming paradigm. The STL takes advantage of C++ templates, so it is an extensible, effective but flexible system. Professional C++ programs cannot miss the usage of the STL because it increases quality, maintainability, understandability and efficacy of the code. However, the usage of C++ STL does not guarantee bugfree or errorfree code. Contrarily, incorrect application of the library may introduce new types of problems. Unfortunately, there is still a large number of properties are tested neither at compilation-time nor at run-time. It is not surprising that in implementation of C++ programs so many STL-related bugs may occur. It is clearly seen that the compilation validation is not enough to exclude the misuage of STL. Our paper introduces different approaches for the validation of the C++ STL's usage. We take advantage of metaprogramming techniques, static analysis based on the Clang compiler infrastructure and gdb debugging tool as well.

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