C structure with pointer to self

Question

Is it posible to define a structure with a pointer to that type of structure? What I mean is:

typedef struct {
    char* name;
    node* parent;
} node;

As far as I tried or read, I don't know how to do this or if it's even possible.

Possible duplicates: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/506366/ http://stackoverflow.com/questions/588623/ — CB Bailey, Nov 28 '09 at 22:58

score 25 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 28 '09 at 22:41

25

Yes, but you have to name the structure, so that you can refer to it.

typedef struct node_ {
    char* name;
    struct node_ * parent;
} node;

The name node only becomes declared after the structure is fully defined.

answered Nov 28 '09 at 22:41

avakar

Thanks a lot! That's the *detail* I didn't know! :) – shazarre Nov 28 '09 at 22:47

sambowry · Answer 2 · 2009-11-28T23:07:06.020

23

You can use an incomplete type in the typedef:

typedef struct node node;

struct node {
  char *name;
  node *parent;
};

edited Nov 28 '09 at 23:07

answered Nov 28 '09 at 22:45

sambowry

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Nov 28 '09 at 22:40

0

Yes this is possible.

This is how linked lists are made!

answered Nov 28 '09 at 22:40

Crowe T. Robot

score -3 · Answer 4 · answered Nov 28 '09 at 22:42

-3

Why don't you try it? You have to put a name to the structure, and yes, this is the way in that recursive data structures works.

answered Nov 28 '09 at 22:42

eKek0

OP said he already did try it. – Grandpa Nov 28 '09 at 22:47
2

But, as I wrote, I tried id - didn't work, so I asked here :) – shazarre Nov 28 '09 at 22:47

4 Answers4