Concepts - Tech Faqs

C++20 concepts are a powerful feature designed to enhance template programming by specifying constraints on template parameters, leading to clearer code and more informative error messages. Here’s a structured overview:

1. Concept Definition

Use the concept keyword to define constraints on types:

#include <concepts>

template<typename T>
concept Incrementable = requires(T t) {
    { ++t } -> std::same_as<T&>;
};

template<typename T>
concept Addable = requires(T a, T b) {
    { a + b } -> std::convertible_to<T>;
};

template<typename T>
concept HasSize = requires(T t) {
    { t.size() } -> std::convertible_to<size_t>;
};

2. Applying Concepts

In Function Templates

Direct Syntax:

template<Incrementable T>
void func(T t) { ... }

requires Clause:

template<typename T>
requires Addable<T>
T add(T a, T b) { return a + b; }

Abbreviated Syntax:

void print_size(HasSize auto t) {
    std::cout << t.size() << '\n';
}

In Class Templates

template<Addable T>
class Container {
    // T must satisfy Addable
};

3. Standard Concepts

The <concepts> header provides predefined concepts:

Type Categories: std::integral, std::floating_point.
Comparisons: std::equality_comparable, std::totally_ordered.
Object Lifetime: std::movable, std::copyable.
Operations: std::invocable (for callable types).

4. Combining Concepts

Use logical operators to compose constraints:

template<typename T>
concept Numeric = std::integral<T> || std::floating_point<T>;

template<typename T>
concept SizedContainer = HasSize<T> && requires(T t) {
    typename T::value_type;
};

5. Overloading with Concepts

Enable function overloads based on constraints:

template<std::integral T>
void process(T t) { /* Handle integers */ }

template<std::floating_point T>
void process(T t) { /* Handle floats */ }

6. Requires Expressions

Check validity of operations, types, or expressions:

template<typename T>
concept Iterable = requires(T t) {
    t.begin();          // Must have begin()
    t.end();            // Must have end()
    typename T::iterator; // Must define iterator type
};

7. Benefits

Clarity: Explicitly state template requirements.
Error Messages: Compilers generate clearer messages when constraints fail.
Simplification: Reduces reliance on SFINAE and enable_if.

Example: Container Concept

template<typename C>
concept Container = requires(C c) {
    c.begin();
    c.end();
    typename C::value_type;
};

template<Container C>
void print(const C& c) {
    for (const auto& elem : c)
        std::cout << elem << ' ';
}

8. Key Notes

Subsumption: The compiler selects the most specific concept during overload resolution.
Nesting: Concepts can include nested requires clauses for complex constraints.
Compatibility: Works seamlessly with auto, lambdas, and other modern C++ features.

Common Pitfalls

Over-constraining: Adding unnecessary restrictions that limit usability.
Under-constraining: Failing to capture all required operations, leading to runtime errors.
Syntax Errors: Incorrect placement of requires clauses or expressions.

By leveraging concepts, developers can write more expressive, robust, and maintainable template code in C++. Practice defining and combining concepts to fully utilize this feature.

Tag: Concepts

C++20 concepts Feature