typedef usage

[armen_shlang]

typedef hash_map<int, list<string> > EXCEL_ROW;
EXCEL_ROW row;
why is typedef used here?

couldn't i just say...
hash_map<int, list<string> > row;

Does it have any additional advantage to use the typedef method..

[Paul McKenzie]

typedef hash_map<int, list<string> > EXCEL_ROW;
EXCEL_ROW row;
why is typedef used here?

1) It is more easier to read,

2) If you changed the typedef from hash_map to a std::map, you don't have to change all of your code also.

3) it doesn't wear out your keyboard having to type

"hash_map<int, list<string> >"

all over the place.

Regards,

Paul McKenzie

[Zaccheus]

In addition to what Paul said ...

couldn't i just say...
hash_map<int, list<string> > row;

string is a typedef, so you could also write:

hash_map<int, list<basic_string<char> > > row;

As you can see, typedef makes it easier to read the code.