When Should You Use C 11's Trailing Return Type Syntax?

The Advantages of the Trailing Return Type Syntax in C 11

C 11 introduced a new syntax for declaring functions: the trailing return type. This syntax allows the return type of a function to be specified after its parameters, rather than before. While this style is not yet widely adopted, it offers several advantages that make it worth considering for use in new C 11 programs.

Advantages of Trailing Return Type Syntax

• Lambda return types must be specified using trailing return types.
• It solves scoping issues with decltype.
• It improves readability for non-inline member function definitions. Since member typedefs are not in scope until after the class name appears before the function name, the trailing return type syntax eliminates the need to repeat the class qualification twice.
• It aligns function names neatly. This is particularly beneficial when functions have vastly different return types.

When to Use Trailing Return Types

While trailing return types offer advantages, they are not universally necessary. They should be used when:

• Defining lambda functions with specified return types
• Using decltype to specify return types for which parameter names are required in scope
• Writing non-inline member function definitions for classes with long names or complex class templates
• Maintaining consistent function name alignment

Best Practices

For a consistent and readable codebase, it is recommended to use trailing return types everywhere in new C 11 programs. This will ensure that functions are declared in a uniform style and that the benefits of the trailing return type syntax are fully realized.

Conclusion

While the trailing return type syntax is a relatively new feature in C , it offers significant advantages in certain scenarios. By leveraging its benefits, developers can write code that is more readable, maintainable, and efficient. As the C community continues to adopt C 11, the trailing return type syntax is expected to become more commonplace in new programs.

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