std::is_standard_layout<>

Written by on June 21, 2020 in C++, Programming with 0 Comments

In our last post, we learnt about the type trait std::is_trivial<T>. Today, let us go through another type trait that is quite similar.

The expression is_standard_layout<T>::value returns true if the layout of objects of type T is compiler independent, and hence is of standard format. Else, it returns false. This is important if we create objects in C++ and pass them to another language environment that is compatible with plain C structures. You might be aware that if we define a class with virtual functions, or one that derives from multiple base classes, the memory occupied by an object of that type is not guaranteed to have a standard structure.  For example, it might be impossible to copy of objects such a type using the C function memcpy, as the elements might not be contiguous.

Let us look at various examples that use is_standard_layout<T> and finally conclude by identifying the difference between this and is_trivial<T>.

Example-1: Primitive Types

This trait can be applied to primitive types as well. Here is the example program:

Working with Primitive Types

Working with Primitive Types

And here is the output from the program:

The Output

The Output

Example-2: Simple Classes

Take a look at the structs A, B, C, andbelow.

Basic Classes

Basic Classes

The struct A is a typical POD (Plain Old Data), containing only data members. Struct B includes a static member, but otherwise it is quite similar to A. 

Struct C contains a no-arg constructor, a copy constructor, destructor, and a member function. Struct D is different in that it enforces access control.

Let us see the output of the program:

Program Outpurt

Program Output

Notice that, even though D‘s members are not public, it still has a standard layout.

Example-3: Special Cases

Let us extend the earlier example by including two special cases:

1) Class has reference member variable

2) Class defines more than one access level

Here is the example:

Special Cases

Special Cases

Here is the program’s output:

Program Output

Program Output

As you can see, both the types have non-standard layout.

Example-4: Class Hierarchy

This section covers classes that have virtual functions or derive from other classes. Go through the example:

Class Hierarchy

Class Hierarchy

Struct G has a virtual destructor. We know that objects of such a class need additional storage for keeping track of the virtual table, something that is not the case with a simple struct acting like a POD. 

Struct I uses private derivation while inheriting from C.

Struct J differs from H in that it defines an additional data member in its scope. Struct K inherits from two different base classes.

Can you guess the output? Here it is:

Program Output

Program Output

Interesting. Even though I derives privately from its base class, it has a standard layout.

The above examples show that there is substantial similarity between is_trivial<T> and is_standard_layout<T>. What is the difference, if any? Well, struct C in our exampleholds the answer.

The Difference

The Difference

When we run this program, this is what we get:

Program Output

Program Output

The presence of constructors and destructor makes struct C non-trivial, although it has standard layout.

That is it for today. Hope you found the discussion useful. 

Download the sources from here.

Have a nice weekend! 

Tags: , ,

Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe now to receive more just like it.

Subscribe via RSS Feed

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top