Benefits of Consolidating Functions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 112 views

Description: Halfway through making the RoutePlanner class, a decision was made to switch from using int row and int column to using a std::pair<int, int> to represent coordinates. This change will allow us to consolidate some functions into one and massively clean up the code in many other functions.

Priority: Low

User Story: As a user, you may not be directly affected by this change. However, it is relevant to programmers who will be working with the RoutePlanner class. This change will make the code more readable and easier to maintain.

Acceptance Criteria: In the RoutePlanner, whenever a coordinate pair is used as two separate integers, it should be changed to a std::pair<int, int> similar to how it is done in isTurnValid().

Benefits of Using std::pair

Using std::pair to represent coordinates has several benefits. Firstly, it makes the code more readable and easier to understand. When using separate ints to represent coordinates, it can be unclear what each variable represents. Using std::pair makes it clear that the two values are related and represent a single coordinate.

Secondly, using std::pair allows us to consolidate some functions into one. For example, instead of having separate functions to check if a coordinate is within a certain range, we can use a single function that takes a std::pair as an argument.

Lastly, using std::pair makes the code more maintainable. When using separate ints, it can be easy to introduce bugs or make mistakes when working with coordinates. Using std::pair helps to prevent these types of errors.

Converting Coordinate Pairs to std::pair

To convert coordinate pairs to std::pair, we need to identify all instances of separate ints being used to represent coordinates. We can then replace these instances with std::pair<int, int>.

Here is an example of how we can convert a coordinate pair to std::pair:

// Before
int row = 1;
int column = 2;

// After
std::pair<int, int> coordinate = std::make_pair(1, 2);

We can use the std::make_pair function to create a std::pair from two values.

Consolidating Functions

One of the benefits of using std::pair is that we can consolidate some functions into one. For example, instead of having separate functions to check if a coordinate is within a certain range, we can use a single function that takes a std::pair as an argument.

Here is an example of how we can consolidate two functions into one:

// Before
bool isWithinRange(int row, int column) {
    return row >= 0 && row < 10 && column >= 0 && column < 10;
}

bool isWithinRange(int row, int column, int minRow, int maxRow, int minColumn, int maxColumn) {
    return row >= minRow && row <= maxRow && column >= minColumn && column <= maxColumn;
}

// After
bool isWithinRange(const std::pair<int, int>& coordinate, const std::pair<int, int>& range) {
    return coordinate.first >= range.first && coordinate.first <= range.second && coordinate.second >= range.first && coordinate.second <= range.second;
}

We can use a single function to check if a coordinate is within a certain range.

Benefits of Consolidating Functions

Consolidating functions has several benefits. Firstly, it makes the code more readable and easier to understand. When we have separate functions for different scenarios, it can be unclear what each function does. Consolidating functions makes it clear that we have a single function that can handle multiple scenarios.

Secondly, consolidating functions makes the code more maintainable. When we have separate functions for different scenarios, it can be easy to introduce bugs or make mistakes when working with different scenarios. Consolidating functions helps to prevent these types of errors.

Lastly, consolidating functions makes the code more efficient. When we have separate functions for different scenarios, we may end up with duplicate code. Consolidating functions helps to eliminate duplicate code and make the code more efficient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, converting coordinate pairs to std::pair has several benefits. It makes the code more readable and easier to understand, allows us to consolidate some functions into one, and makes the code more maintainable. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can convert coordinate pairs to std::pair and make our code more efficient and easier to maintain.

Recommendations

Based on the benefits of using std::pair and consolidating functions, we recommend the following:

Use std::pair to represent coordinates instead of separate ints.
Consolidate functions that take separate ints as arguments into a single function that takes a std::pair as an argument.
Review the code and identify areas where we can consolidate functions and make the code more efficient.

Q: What is the main benefit of using std::pair to represent coordinates?

A: The main benefit of using std::pair to represent coordinates is that it makes the code more readable and easier to understand. When using separate ints to represent coordinates, it can be unclear what each variable represents. Using std::pair makes it clear that the two values are related and represent a single coordinate.

Q: How do I convert a coordinate pair to std::pair?

A: To convert a coordinate pair to std::pair, you can use the std::make_pair function. For example:

// Before
int row = 1;
int column = 2;

// After
std::pair<int, int> coordinate = std::make_pair(1, 2);

Q: What are some common scenarios where I would use std::pair to represent coordinates?

A: Some common scenarios where you would use std::pair to represent coordinates include:

Representing a point in a 2D space
Representing a coordinate in a grid
Representing a location on a map

Q: How do I consolidate functions that take separate int's as arguments into a single function that takes a std::pair as an argument?

A: To consolidate functions that take separate ints as arguments into a single function that takes a std::pair as an argument, you can follow these steps:

Identify the functions that take separate ints as arguments.
Create a new function that takes a std::pair as an argument.
Modify the new function to use the std::pair instead of separate ints.
Update the code to call the new function instead of the old functions.

Q: What are some benefits of consolidating functions?

A: Some benefits of consolidating functions include:

Making the code more readable and easier to understand
Making the code more maintainable
Eliminating duplicate code

Q: How do I know if I should use std::pair to represent coordinates?

A: You should use std::pair to represent coordinates when:

You need to represent a single coordinate with two values
You need to make the code more readable and easier to understand
You need to consolidate functions that take separate ints as arguments into a single function that takes a std::pair as an argument

Q: What are some common pitfalls to avoid when using std::pair to represent coordinates?

A: Some common pitfalls to avoid when using std::pair to represent coordinates include:

Not using the std::make_pair function to create a std::pair
Not checking for valid values in the std::pair
Not using the std::pair consistently throughout the code

Q: How do I debug issues related to std::pair?

A: To debug issues related to std::pair, you can follow these steps:

Use a debugger to step through the code and identify the issue.
Check the values of the std::pair to ensure they are valid.
Use print statements or logging to output the values of the std::pair.
Use a code review tool to identify any issues with the code.

By following these steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can effectively use std::pair to represent coordinates and make your code more efficient and easier to maintain.