Before reviewing the excellent standard template library resources on MSDN (including Channel 9), did you know Visual Studio 2013.1 (Update 1) is available now? Brian Harry writes about the release on his blog, mentioning that the release is smaller and focused on working better with IE versions prior to IE 10. It is worth a read. You can grab the download through the usual channels including the Microsoft download center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=301714. See a full description of the update in this kb: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2911573/en-us.

And now for STL goodness on MSDN:

• If you need more framing of where the STL fits in, begin with the Standard C++ Library Overview. It links to additional information about a freestanding implementation of the C++ library, Using C++ Library Headers, C++ Program Startup and Termination, Safe Libraries: Standard C++ Library, Debug Iterator Support, stdext Namespace, Regular Expressions (C++) and more.
• The Standard Template Library includes topics on STL Containers, Iterators, Algorithms, Allocators and Function Objects. Most of you have probably not visited these pages in a while (if ever?); it is worth a few minutes to scroll through – you might pick up something new.
• Samples? They are in there! Standard Template Library Samples contains links to over 50 samples, from abs to vector::size and vector::capacity. Each sample describes what is being demonstrated, copyable sample code, and output (when applicable).
• Stephan T. Lavavej, Visual C++ team member and STL smartie, hosts a series of Channel 9 lectures on the Standard Template Library. Stephan explores many different elements of the STL with many examples and plenty of hints, tips and traps.

Shout out to the mighty Visual C++ User Education team for the great technical content!

As always, share your favorite links in the comments below. You can also follow us on Twitter (@visualc), like us on Facebook (Microsoft Visual Cpp), or drop me an email anytime (ebattali@microsoft.com).