Typedef struct vs just struct

Posted on 16th Feb 2014 07:03 pm by admin

Anyone know the rationale for using typedef for structs when a struct is itself a typedef? I have seen this in just about every book I have ever read, never with any explanation, yet I know from extensive personal experience that the end result is exactly the same (at least on all compilers from the last 10 years). Is it nothing more than an effort to save typing 'struct' on the variable declarations (and that not even needed in C++)? For instance, this all seems to be the same:

Code: typedef struct { int i; } bob; struct nob { int i; }; bob b; struct nob n;

I have heard people adamantly argue that everything should be typdef-ed as a way to make maintenance easier, but in my experience when you change a data type you still need to examine every single place it is used in the entire code base to make sure you aren't creating bugs with the type change, so I don't see the maintenance benefit. I find it a lot more useful to know what an object type is without needing to constantly look up what the heck the typedef really is (of course, for structs that doesn't help). Good IDEs will make that process less painful, but I have found my ability to maintain code is actually decreased with the extensive use of typedefs.

So, any arguments for the use of typedefs?

Your Answer:

Login to answer

Other forums

SQL Injection
In my attempts to protect my database from mySQL injection I have created another problem for myself

admin with my register system?
Hey i wana make it so i can make a admin level on my register system , I'm kinda new to php to im no

form class help (oop php5)
Hidy Ho Neighbors,

I'm forcing myself to learn oop/classes for php5. It seems like a good id

first few characters only
hi, does anyone know how to use PHP to take the first few words of a text and limit them? i have see

Check if another session of the page is running?
I want to keep people from opening multiple tabs, or sessions of my Facebook app. Is it possible to

Insert numbers from Barcode scanner into online php page
I have a real big problem, Here is what I'm trying to do. I have a Intermec CN3 handheld computer th

update sql when refresh - php
hi
I have made a table (attachement)

the users can update the sql database using + or x bu

How to load mysql (and other) extensions into PHP
How to load mysql (and other) extensions into PHP PHP Development forum discussing coding practices,

Do something every fifth time?
I'm trying to write a loop, but I want it to do something different after every fifth instance. Like

rookie looking for help coding a CSS form with PHP
I'm trying to figure out how to add PHP code to my xhtml form so that it is a working form embedded