To Trail or Not to Trail: Should C 11's Trailing Return Type Be the New Default?

Should Trailing Return Type Syntax Be the Default for New C 11 Programs?

C 11 introduced a new function syntax that places the return type after the function parameters:

auto func_name(int x, int y) -> int;

This differs from the traditional syntax:

int func_name(int x, int y);

Despite its availability, adoption of the trailing return type syntax has been slow. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of this syntax to determine if it should become the default for new C 11 programs.

Advantages of Trailing Return Type Syntax

Certain situations necessitate the use of a trailing return type. For instance, in lambda expressions and when utilizing decltype with argument names in scope. Additionally, trailing return types offer readability benefits:

• Member typedefs do not need to be repeated when defining non-inline member functions.
• Function names are aligned when trailing return types are used consistently.

Disadvantages of Trailing Return Type Syntax

The main disadvantage of trailing return type syntax is its potential to result in code with mixed styles, which can be aesthetically unpleasing. However, this issue can be mitigated by adopting the trailing return type syntax consistently throughout a code base.

Conclusion

While the trailing return type syntax offers advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. Its use is not currently widespread, but it has valid applications. Whether it should become the default for new C 11 programs remains a matter of personal preference. Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific needs and coding style of each developer.

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