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I plan to define a class, that among its properties contains coordinates for an x/y grid. However, I'm unsure of the 'best' way to approach the design of this. It's a very simple issue, I just want to do it correctly and have a justification!
One solution would be to have to two properties, of type 'int', one for x and one for y, within the object.
The other would be define a typedef struct of two ints containing x/y values and naming it <ClassPrefix>Coordinate. Similar to CGSize?
Are there any other/better ways to do this? Which is preferred? Not sure how to justify either way.
Thanks!
Tim.
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Typedefs provide a level of abstraction away from the actual types being used, allowing you, the programmer, to focus more on the concept of just what a variable should mean. This makes it easier to write clean code, but it also makes it far easier to modify your code.
The use of typedef most often serves no purpose but to obfuscate the data structure usage. Since only { struct (6), enum (4), union (5) } number of keystrokes are used to declare a data type there is almost no use for the aliasing of the struct.
In C++, there is no difference between 'struct' and 'typedef struct' because, in C++, all struct/union/enum/class declarations act like they are implicitly typedef'ed, as long as the name is not hidden by another declaration with the same name.
Best PracticesUse a typedef for each new type created in the code made from a template. Give the typedef a meaningful, succinct name. Sometimes, typedefs should also be created for simple types. Again, a uniquely identifiable, meaningful name for a type increases maintainablity and readability.
The answer to the "Which one is preferred?" question depends on a few factors:
struct wins; if the answer is "fifty eight", object wins.struct may be OK.struct may be a better choice.struct may be a better choice.Ultimately, your design constraints help you determine what's best; there is no data structure that is universally "better".
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