Anonymous structs without struct type definitions

[Wajinn]

The announcement and example on twitter (X), creates obvious questions (see below for example). Of course the type can be inferred (V convenience), but a function of no known type was given in the example. Why was that presented? This seems to create unnecessary confusion.

Comparatively, a Go example was given, showing how they are explicit. Arguably, that's done to avoid sloppy coding and mistakes, as those reading the code would be clear on what's being done. However, the Go way is arguably redundant and possibly less convenient.

Interested in the views of others on this.

fn test_main() {
	mut a := struct {
		name: 'Foo'
		age: t()
	}
	dump(a)
}

[JalonSolov]

In Go, it's a more complex thing, as you have to define the fields of the struct before you assign values. The V example does both in one step, defining the fields and their values at once.

I don't see this as any more confusing than using anonymous structs in the first place.

[Wajinn]

You are right, but, will that click right away in the minds of those unfamiliar with V and looking at the example? Maybe they need a bit more to clarify why the V example is the better direction and how it aligns with what the language already does. I'm stating that, only because of some of the reaction comments that I saw. What might be obvious to us, might not be so for some significant percentage of others.

[gchumillas]

I like the direction vlang is taking. Unlike golang, vlang is establishing itself as a concise language, and that is what front-end developers, like me, need. I would love to be able to use vlang on the web in the future, just like I do now with TypeScript.

[JalonSolov]

For that, take a look at the output from v help build-js and/or v help build-wasm.

Both are still WIP, but getting there...

[jorgeluismireles]

I found very helpful the new anonymous struct as dynamic content generation for veb templates. You can create and list your icons in V in your endpoint:

...
	help := struct {
		info: gui.Icon.info.svg()
		delete: gui.Icon.delete.svg()
	}
	return $veb.html('cfg.html')

with svg paths as text like this "M 14,3 11,0 7,4 3,0 0,3 l 4,4 -4,4 3,3 4,-4 4,4 3,-3 -4,-4 z" and the compiler guarantees the template finds correctly the struct data by field as @help.delete

...
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="icon"><path d="@help.delete"/></svg>
...

[medvednikov]

@gchumillas exactly, V is more concise than Go.

@Wajinn like @JalonSolov said, anonymous structs are already in the language, and this just makes using them less verbose.

[Wajinn]

The V way can be seen as being advantageous and easier, however, there is also conveying that it is to the general audience. It might seem like a small thing, but the example picture can be taken out of context, shown by itself, or create confusion. Thus possibly the peculiar comments on X.

A small and clear explanatory statement (and example) can go a long way. You guys are doing a great job on the language, but wanted to highlight there is both an antagonistic and complete novice view of what is being done. Taken those into account, by adding a bit more clarity and basics, can help reduce (of course nothing can eliminate) confusion for any who are new or unaware of V and what it can do.

Type is inferred from the value on the right hand side

fn test_main() {
	mut a := struct {
		name: 'Foo'
		age: u8(0)
	}
	dump(a)
}