General discussion
The typedef statement allows the programmer to create an alias, or synonym, for an existing data type. This can be useful in documenting a program. The C++ programming language syntax is:
typedef<the real data type><the alias identifier name>;
Let's say a programmer is using a double data type to store the amount of money that is being used for various purposes in a program. He might define the variables as follows:
Regular definition of variables
double income;
double rent;double vacation;
However, he might use the typedef statement and define the variables as follows:
Using typedef when defining variables
typedef double cash;
the typedef must be defined before its usecash income;
cash rent;cash vacation;
The typedef statement is not used very often by beginning programmers. It usually creates more confusion than needed, thus stick to using the normal data types at first.
Definitions
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typedef
- Allows the programmer to create an alias, or synonym, for an existing data type.