The Benefits of a Named Struct

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 32 views

Introduction

In software development, code readability and maintainability are crucial aspects of writing high-quality code. One common issue that can lead to confusion and errors is the use of generic data types, such as std::pair, to represent complex data structures. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of replacing std::pair<tt::target::DataType, size_t> with a dedicated named struct across the codebase.

The Problem with `std::pair`

std::pair is a versatile data structure that can be used to represent a wide range of data types. However, when used to represent complex data structures, it can lead to confusion and errors. In the codebase, std::pair<tt::target::DataType, size_t> is used to represent a DataType and its size. While this may seem like a simple and efficient way to represent this data, it can lead to issues such as:

Code readability: When using std::pair, it can be difficult to understand the meaning of the data being represented. This can lead to confusion and errors when working with the code.
Code maintainability: If the data structure represented by std::pair changes, it can be difficult to update the code to reflect these changes.
Code scalability: As the codebase grows, using std::pair can lead to a proliferation of similar data structures, making it difficult to maintain and update the code.

The Benefits of a Named Struct

A named struct is a dedicated data structure that is specifically designed to represent a particular type of data. In this case, a named struct can be used to represent a DataType and its size. The benefits of using a named struct include:

Improved code readability: A named struct clearly conveys the meaning of the data being represented, making it easier to understand and work with the code.
Improved code maintainability: If the data structure represented by the named struct changes, it is easier to update the code to reflect these changes.
Improved code scalability: A named struct can be easily extended or modified to accommodate changes in the data structure, making it easier to maintain and update the code.

Refactoring the Code

To refactor the code and replace std::pair<tt::target::DataType, size_t> with a named struct, we can create a new struct called DataTypeSize. This struct can have two members: DataType and size_t. The DataType member can be of type tt::target::DataType, and the size_t member can be of type size_t.

struct DataTypeSize {
  tt::target::DataType dataType;
  size_t size;
};

We can then replace all instances of std::pair<tt::target::DataType, size_t> with DataTypeSize in the codebase. This will improve code readability and maintainability, and make it easier to update the code to reflect changes in the data structure.

Example Use Case

Here is an example of how we can use the DataTypeSize struct in the code:

DataTypeSize dataTypeSize = {tt::target::DataType::INT32, 4};

In this example, we create a DataTypeSize struct with a DataType of INT32 and a size of 4.

Conclusion

In conclusion, replacing std::pair<tt::target::DataType, size_t> with a named struct, such as DataTypeSize, can improve code readability and maintainability, and make it easier to update the code to reflect changes in the data structure. By using a named struct, we can clearly convey the meaning of the data being represented, making it easier to understand and work with the code.

Recommendations

Based on our analysis, we recommend the following:

Replace std::pair<tt::target::DataType, size_t> with DataTypeSize: This will improve code readability and maintainability, and make it easier to update the code to reflect changes in the data structure.
Use a named struct for complex data structures: This will improve code readability and maintainability, and make it easier to update the code to reflect changes in the data structure.
Document the code: This will make it easier for others to understand the code and make changes to it.

Future Work

In the future, we plan to:

Review the codebase for other instances of std::pair: We will review the codebase to identify other instances of std::pair and replace them with named structs.
Improve code documentation: We will improve code documentation to make it easier for others to understand the code and make changes to it.
Continuously refactor the code: We will continuously refactor the code to improve its readability and maintainability.
Q&A: Refactoring std::pair<tt::target::DataType, size_t> with Named Struct ====================================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the benefits of replacing std::pair<tt::target::DataType, size_t> with a dedicated named struct, such as DataTypeSize. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about refactoring std::pair with a named struct.

Q: Why do I need to replace `std::pair` with a named struct?

A: Replacing std::pair with a named struct can improve code readability and maintainability. It clearly conveys the meaning of the data being represented, making it easier to understand and work with the code.

Q: How do I replace `std::pair` with a named struct?

A: To replace std::pair with a named struct, you can create a new struct with named members. For example, you can create a DataTypeSize struct with DataType and size_t members.

struct DataTypeSize {
  tt::target::DataType dataType;
  size_t size;
};

Q: What are the benefits of using a named struct?

A: The benefits of using a named struct include:

Improved code readability: A named struct clearly conveys the meaning of the data being represented, making it easier to understand and work with the code.
Improved code maintainability: If the data structure represented by the named struct changes, it is easier to update the code to reflect these changes.
Improved code scalability: A named struct can be easily extended or modified to accommodate changes in the data structure, making it easier to maintain and update the code.

Q: How do I use a named struct in my code?

A: To use a named struct in your code, you can create an instance of the struct and assign values to its members. For example, you can create a DataTypeSize struct with a DataType of INT32 and a size of 4.

DataTypeSize dataTypeSize = {tt::target::DataType::INT32, 4};

Q: Can I use a named struct with other data types?

A: Yes, you can use a named struct with other data types. For example, you can create a DataTypeSize struct with DataType and size_t members, and then use it with other data types.

struct DataTypeSize {
  tt::target::DataType dataType;
  size_t size;
};

DataTypeSize dataTypeSize = {tt::target::DataType::FLOAT, 8};

Q: How do I handle errors when using a named struct?

A: To handle errors when using a named struct, you can use error handling mechanisms such as try-catch blocks or error codes. For example, you can use a try-catch block to catch errors when creating an instance of the DataTypeSize struct.

try {
  DataTypeSize dataTypeSize = {tt::target::DataType::INT32, 4};
} catch (const std::exception& e) {
  // Handle error
}

Q: Can I use a named struct with other programming languages?

A: Yes, you can use a named struct with other programming languages. However, the syntax and semantics may differ. For example, in C#, you can use a struct with named members, but the syntax is different from C++.

public struct DataTypeSize {
  public tt::target::DataType DataType { get; set; }
  public size_t Size { get; set; }
}

Conclusion

In conclusion, replacing std::pair with a named struct can improve code readability and maintainability. By using a named struct, you can clearly convey the meaning of the data being represented, making it easier to understand and work with the code. We hope this Q&A article has been helpful in answering your questions about refactoring std::pair with a named struct.