Why Doesn\'t C Support Designated Initializers for Structs?

C Structure Initialization: Exploring Different Approaches

In C , struct initialization often raises questions regarding the possibility of using a particular syntax similar to the one employed in C. This article delves into the technical and practical aspects of struct initialization, addressing the question of why specific syntax is not implemented in C .

Designated Initializer Syntax

As indicated in the question, C supports a designated initializer syntax that allows initializing specific members of a struct. This syntax, however, is not supported in C .

Reasons for the Absence in C

The designated initializer syntax is not implemented in C due to several reasons:

• Nameless Data Members: C structs can have unnamed or anonymous data members, making it ambiguous as to which member a designated initializer would refer to.
• Improved Clarity and Readability: Modern C initialization techniques provide more explicit and readable ways to initialize structs, as discussed below.

Alternative Initialization Approaches

To achieve the desired readability without the designated initializer syntax, C offers alternative methods:

Split-Up Initializers with Comments:

Breaking up the initializer into multiple lines with comments on each provides clear indications of the assigned values:

address temp_address = {
  0,  // street_no
  nullptr,  // street_name
  "Hamilton",  // city
  "Ontario",  // prov
  nullptr,  // postal_code
};

Structured Bindings with C 17:

C 17 introduces structured bindings, which allow assigning values to struct members using named variables:

auto [street_no, street_name, city, prov, postal_code] = std::make_tuple(0, nullptr, "Hamilton", "Ontario", nullptr);

This approach provides explicit assignment and enhanced readability.

Conclusion

While the designated initializer syntax used in C is not implemented in C , C offers alternative techniques that enhance readability and clarity during struct initialization. These techniques, such as split-up initializers with comments and structured bindings, provide efficient ways to assign values to struct members, eliminating the need for the designated initializer syntax.

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