1 # Collections
2
3 UCX defines common attributes for collections.
4 If you want to implement an own collection data type that uses the same features, you can use the
5 `CX_COLLECTION_BASE` macro at the beginning of your struct to roll out all members a usual UCX collection has.
6
7 This macro will embed a structure in your collection that can be accessed with the member name `collection`.
8
9 ```c
10 #include <cx/collection.h>
11
12 struct my_fancy_collection_s {
13 CX_COLLECTION_BASE; // adds a member named 'collection'
14 struct my_collection_data_s *data;
15 };
16 ```
17
18 > You can always look at the UCX list and map implementations if you need some inspiration.
19
20 ## Base Attributes of a Collection
21
22 The following attributes are declared by the `CX_COLLECTION_BASE` macro:
23
24 | Attribute | Description |
25 |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
26 | `allocator` | The [allocator](allocator.h.md) that shall be used for the collection data. |
27 | `cmpfunc` | A function to [compare](compare.h.md) two elements. |
28 | `elem_size` | The size of one element in bytes. |
29 | `size` | The size, meaning the number of elements, currently stored. |
30 | `simple_destructor` | An optional simple [destructor function](allocator.h.md#destructor-functions). |
31 | `advanced_destructor` | An optional advanced destructor function. |
32 | `destructor_data` | A pointer to the custom data that shall be passed to the advanced destructor. |
33 | `store_pointer` | A `bool` indicating whether this collection stores pointers instead of the element's data. |
34 | `sorted` | A `bool` indicating whether the elements are currently guaranteed sorted with respect to the compare function. |
35
36 The attributes can be accessed directly via the `collection` member of your struct, or with the following convenience macros.
37
38 ```C
39 cxCollectionSize(c)
40 cxCollectionElementSize(c)
41 cxCollectionStoresPointers(c)
42 cxCollectionSorted(c)
43 ```
44
45 In each case the argument `c` is a pointer to your collection. The macro will then access the base data with `c->collection`.
46
47 Similar to the above macros, the `cxCollectionCompareFunc(c,f)` macro can be used to set the compare function.
48
49 ## Destructor Functions
50
51 For working with destructors, the following macros are defined:
52
53 ```C
54 cxDefineDestructor(c, destr)
55 cxDefineAdvancedDestructor(c, destr, data)
56
57 // use in your collection's implementation
58 cx_invoke_destructor(c, elem)
59
60 // the following two should not be used
61 cx_invoke_simple_destructor(c, elem)
62 cx_invoke_advanced_destructor(c, elem)
63 ```
64
65 With `cxDefineDestructor()` you can assign a simple [destructor function](allocator.h.md#destructor-functions)
66 to an _instance_ of your collection.
67 Similarly, you can assign an advanced destructor with custom `data` by using `cxDefineAdvancedDestructor`.
68
69 Your collection _should_ be supporting destructors by invoking `cx_invoke_destructor()` whenever an element
70 is removed from your collection _without_ being returned to the caller.
71 This macro will invoke a simple destructor, if one is assigned, first, and then the advanced destructor (again, if assigned).
72
73 > Destructor functions are always invoked with a pointer to the element in your collection.
74 > If your collection is storing pointers (i.e. `cxCollectionStoresPointers()` returns `true`)
75 > the `cx_invoke_destructor()` will make sure that the pointer to the element is dereferenced first,
76 > so that the destructor functions are _always_ invoked with a pointer to the actual element.
77 {style="note"}
78
79 <seealso>
80 <category ref="apidoc">
81 <a href="https://ucx.sourceforge.io/api/collection_8h.html">collection.h</a>
82 </category>
83 </seealso>
84