Is C 17 More Readable than C 14?

With the introduction of C 17, developers have access to a variety of new features and improvements that aim to enhance code readability and usability. In this article, we will explore key aspects that contribute to the increased readability of C 17 compared to its predecessor, C 14.

Key Improvements in C 17

Several features in C 17 have been designed to improve code readability, making the programming experience more efficient and enjoyable. Let's take a closer look at these improvements:

Structured Bindings

Structured bindings simplify the process of unpacking tuples and pairs into individual variables, making the code more readable and reducing the amount of boilerplate code needed.

auto [x, y] std::make_tuple(1, 2); // More readable than std::tie

If and Switch with Initializers

Another significant improvement is the ability to declare variables directly within if and switch statements. This reduces variable scope and improves the clarity of the code.

if (auto it my_(my_key); it ! my_map.end) { // Use it here }

Inline Variables

The introduction of inline variables allows developers to define variables inline in header files without violating the One Definition Rule, making code organization clearer.

inline constexpr int my_constant 42;

std::optional, std::variant, and std::any

These types provide clearer semantics for expressing optional values, variant types, and type-erased values, leading to more expressive and readable code.

std::optional maybe_value; std::variant multi_type_value; std::any dynamic_type_value;

Improved Template Argument Deduction

C 17 has enhanced template argument deduction, allowing for more direct and simplified function templates. This results in better readability and maintainability.

template void func(T arg) {} // Can now be deduced directly func(42);

Filesystem Library

The introduction of the filesystem library provides a more readable and convenient way to handle file paths and operations. This reduces the complexity of file handling code significantly.

std::filesystem::path p "example.txt"; std::ifstream file(p);

More Consistent Standard Library

C 17 includes various improvements and additions to the standard library, resulting in a more cohesive and understandable set of tools. This consistency is crucial for maintaining code readability across different parts of a project.

Subjectivity in Readability

While readability is subjective and can vary based on specific use cases and programming styles, many developers find that the features introduced in C 17 contribute positively to code clarity and maintainability compared to C 14. The enhancements listed above offer substantial improvements in terms of code organization, expressiveness, and overall maintainability.

Conclusion

Overall, the features and improvements in C 17 significantly enhance code readability. While older versions of C have been perfectly readable for many developers, the additions in C 17 add a layer of syntactic sugar that can make the codebase more organized and maintainable. If your project benefits from these enhancements, C 17 is definitely a step forward.