Learn What is a Struct? | Struct Fundamentals

Prerequisites

C++ Introduction

Definition

A struct in C++ is a user-defined type that groups multiple related variables—called members—under one name. It allows you to organize and manage data that naturally belongs together.

Structs exist to make programs clearer and easier to maintain. They are ideal for representing entities like a point in 2D space, a record in a database, or a game character's properties. By combining several related values into a single struct, you can simplify data handling and reduce clutter compared to using separate variables or arrays.

main.cpp


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#include <iostream>

// Struct definition
struct Point {
    double x;
    double y;
};

int main()
{
    Point p;
    p.x = 3.5;
    p.y = 7.2;

    std::cout << "Point coordinates: (" << p.x << ", " << p.y << ")" << std::endl;
}

While structs and classes in C++ are very similar, there are important differences to understand. The main distinction is their default access specifier: members of a struct are public by default, meaning they can be accessed directly from outside the struct, while members of a class are private by default, restricting direct access.

main.cpp


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#include <iostream>
#include <string>

// Class definition
class Person {
public:
    std::string name;
    int age;
};

int main()
{
    Person person;
    person.name = "Alice";
    person.age = 30;

    std::cout << "Person: " << person.name << ", Age: " << person.age << std::endl;
}

Structs are usually used for simple data containers that group related values together. Classes, on the other hand, are meant for more complex types that combine data with behavior.

Note

While both can include functions, constructors, and inheritance, their default access and intended roles in code are what distinguish them.

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Section 1. Chapter 1

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Prerequisites

C++ Introduction

Definition

A struct in C++ is a user-defined type that groups multiple related variables—called members—under one name. It allows you to organize and manage data that naturally belongs together.

main.cpp


              12345678910111213141516
            
#include <iostream>

// Struct definition
struct Point {
    double x;
    double y;
};

int main()
{
    Point p;
    p.x = 3.5;
    p.y = 7.2;

    std::cout << "Point coordinates: (" << p.x << ", " << p.y << ")" << std::endl;
}

main.cpp


              123456789101112131415161718
            
#include <iostream>
#include <string>

// Class definition
class Person {
public:
    std::string name;
    int age;
};

int main()
{
    Person person;
    person.name = "Alice";
    person.age = 30;

    std::cout << "Person: " << person.name << ", Age: " << person.age << std::endl;
}

Structs are usually used for simple data containers that group related values together. Classes, on the other hand, are meant for more complex types that combine data with behavior.

Note

While both can include functions, constructors, and inheritance, their default access and intended roles in code are what distinguish them.

Everything was clear?

Thanks for your feedback!

Section 1. Chapter 1