Question

I am trying to write lines of code fitting under 80 columns maximum. Thus, I wonder if fully qualifying my variable type is really mandatory ? Assuming the following implementation:

//Baz.h
namespace loggingapi {
namespace attributes {
    class Baz {};
}} // namespaces

// Bar.h
namespace loggingapi {
    namespace attributes {
        class Baz; // forward declare Baz.
    }

    class Biz {
        int f(Baz* b);
    };
} // namespaces

To declare my function parameter type, there are multiple ways ?

• a) int f(Baz* b);
• b) OR int f(attributes::Baz* b);
• c) OR int f(loggingapi::attributes::Baz* b);
• d) OR int f(::loggingapi::attributes::Baz* b);

In the list above, which definition(s) is/are clearer/ambiguous for the compilers ?

NOTE: You must assume the namespace/parameter/class/function names CANNOT be shortened in the following implementation.

Answer 1

Variant e ?

namespace loggingapi {
    namespace attributes {
        class Baz; // forward declare Baz.
    }

    class Biz {
        typedef attributes::Baz Baz;
        // C++ 11 alternative
        // using Baz = attributes::Baz;

        int f(Baz* b);
    }
} // namespaces

Do not forget what aliasing can do for you…