Chapter Summary

This chapter explored complex aggregate types that combine arrays and structs to organize related data efficiently. Two primary approaches were examined: parallel arrays and arrays of structs, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs.

Key Concepts

Structs with Array Members

• Definition: A struct that contains one or more array data members, allowing arrays of information to be packaged as a single unit
• Declaration Syntax:

  struct StructName
  {
      datatype arrayMember[CAPACITY];
      // other members
  };

• Initialization: Array members are initialized using nested braces within the struct initializer
• Access Syntax: Use dot (.) or arrow (->) operator to access the array, then use subscript notation to access individual elements
  • Example: student.quizzes[0] or ptrStudent->quizzes[0]
• Advantage: Packages related arrays together, improving code organization

Parallel Arrays

• Definition: Multiple arrays where data stored at the same index across arrays represents a single logical entity
• Example: Separate arrays for student numbers, midterm scores, and final scores where studentNumber[i], midterm[i], and final[i] all refer to the same student
• Advantages: Simple to understand for small amounts of related data
• Disadvantages: Becomes cumbersome with many pieces of related data; requires careful synchronization when modifying data (example: sorting requires swapping in all arrays simultaneously)
• Use Case: Appropriate when storing only a few related pieces of information

Arrays of Structs

• Definition: An array where each element is a struct, allowing multiple instances of structured data to be stored and accessed uniformly
• Declaration Syntax: struct StructName arrayName[CAPACITY];
• Initialization Syntax: Nested braces where each outer brace pair initializes one struct element

  struct StudentScore students[40] = {
      {123456, 63.5, 65.0},
      {654321, 70.5, 75.3}
  };

• Access Syntax: Use array subscript to access a struct element, then use dot (.) or arrow (->) to access struct members
  • Example: students[0].midterm or ptrStudents[0].midterm

Advantages of Arrays of Structs Over Parallel Arrays

• Simplicity: A single array declaration replaces multiple parallel array declarations
• Maintainability: Adding new data members requires modifying only the struct definition, not multiple function signatures
• Clarity and Scalability: Functions can operate on complete logical entities (structs) rather than coordinating multiple arrays. No need to synchronize swaps across multiple arrays
• Reduced Errors: Less opportunity for parallel arrays to become "out of sync" during modifications

Working with Arrays of Structs in Functions

• Parameter Declaration: const struct StructName arrayName[] (const prevents unintended modifications)
• Accessing Elements: Use array index to select a struct, then member access operator to reach data