c++ - Does returning a standard container incur a copy of the contents of the container? -

if have function returns stl container incurring copy of entire contents of standard container?

e.g. this:

void foo( std::vector< std::string >* string_list );

better this:

std::vector< std::string > foo();

does matter what's in container? instance returning container this:

struct buzz {     int a;     char b;     float c; }  std::map< int, buzz > foo();

be more costly operation this:

std::map< int, int > foo();

thanks, paulh

edit: c++03. c++0x solution is, unfortunately, not acceptable.

edit2: using microsoft visual studio 2008 compiler.

c++03 (named) return value optimization (google rvo , nrvo).

if optimization not applicable, c++0x move semantics.

Assebmley