Remove from the beginning of std::vector

Given

std::vector<Rule>& topPriorityRules;

The correct way to remove the first element of the referenced vector is

topPriorityRules.erase(topPriorityRules.begin());

which is exactly what you suggested.

Looks like i need to do iterator overloading.

There is no need to overload an iterator in order to erase first element of std::vector.

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P.S. Vector (dynamic array) is probably a wrong choice of data structure if you intend to erase from the front.

Two suggestions:

1. Use std::deque instead of std::vector for better performance in your specific case and use the method std::deque::pop_front().
2. Rethink (I mean: delete) the & in std::vector<ScanRule>& topPriorityRules;