Typedef
typedef is a C and C++ declaration mechanism that introduces an alternative name for an existing type.
Modern C, Third Edition
A typedef is a C declaration that introduces an alias for an existing type.
- How it is used
- Uses aliases to simplify structure names, represent semantic types, and make multidimensional array declarations more readable.
- How deep it goes
- Explains aliasing, structure forward declarations, arrays, reserved names, and semantic typedefs, without descending into compiler implementation.
- Examples
- Demonstrates structure aliases, array aliases, multidimensional arrays, and implementation-provided names including size_t and ptrdiff_t.
- What you can do after
- Apply typedef to name existing structure, array, and implementation-provided types while preserving type identity and naming constraints.
Modern C
A typedef is a C declaration that introduces an alias for an existing type.
- How it is used
- Simplifies repeated type declarations, especially structure names and interfaces.
- How deep it goes
- Defines alias semantics and demonstrates structures, arrays, forward declarations, and pointer-visibility tradeoffs.
- Examples
- Uses same-name structure aliases, opaque structure interfaces, and nested array aliases as concrete declaration patterns.
- What you can do after
- Apply it to shorten declarations while preserving the underlying type and keeping important pointer syntax visible.
Related concepts
- type aliasproduces · A type alias is a declaration that gives an existing type an alternative name without creating a distinct type or representation.
- atomic typeproduces · An atomic type is a type whose supported accesses and operations are indivisible with respect to concurrent execution and provide defined synchronization semantics.
- using keywordalternative to · The C++ using keyword introduces a name into scope or defines an alias for a type or other declaration.
- referencecontrasts with · A reference is an indirect value or relationship that identifies or provides access to another value, object, resource, or source.
- structuses · A struct is a composite data type or structure that groups related fields or values into a single unit.
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