Exploring C++ std::span – Part 4: Const-Correctness and Type-Safety

One of the hallmarks of modern C++ is its emphasis on type safety and const-correctness. These principles help developers write more reliable, readable, and maintainable code by clearly defining how data can be accessed and modified. std::span aligns perfectly with these goals, offering features that allow developers to control access to data and enforce const-correctness naturally.

In this article, we’ll explore how std::span provides two distinct types of views over data: mutable (std::span<T>) and read-only (std::span<const T>). You can review the previous articles first if you need to catch up your knowledge:

• Exploring C++ std::span – Part 1: An Introduction To the Non-Owning View
• Exploring C++ std::span – Part 2: Accessing Elements and Iterating
• Exploring C++ std::span – Part 3: Subviews and Slices

We’ll discuss the differences between these types, when to use each, and how they promote better coding practices. Additionally, we’ll look at how std::span simplifies function parameter design by enabling lightweight, type-safe data passing, and we’ll delve into best practices to avoid common pitfalls, such as lifetime issues and unintended mutations.

By mastering const-correctness and type-safety with std::span, you’ll be able to write clearer, more robust code that leverages the power of C++20’s modern features.

Const and Mutable std::span

std::span is designed to provide a lightweight, non-owning view over contiguous data. One of its most powerful features is the ability to enforce type safety and const-correctness, ensuring that functions accessing data do so in a controlled and predictable manner. By leveraging std::span<const T> for read-only views and std::span<T> for mutable views, developers can clearly define how data is accessed and manipulated, reducing the risk of unintended modifications and improving code clarity.

std::span<T>: A Mutable View

A mutable std::span<T> allows direct modification of the underlying data. This type of span is useful when a function or algorithm needs to make changes to the data it processes.

Modifying Elements via a Mutable std::span:

#include <span>
#include <iostream>

void incrementElements(std::span<int> data) {
    for (int& value : data) {
        value += 1;  // Modify the underlying data
    }
}

int main() {
    int numbers[] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
    std::span<int> span(numbers);  // Mutable span

    incrementElements(span);

    // Output the modified array
    for (int value : numbers) {
        std::cout << value << " ";
    }

    return 0;
}

In this example, the incrementElements function accepts a mutable span and modifies the elements directly. The changes are reflected in the original array since std::span only views the data and doesn’t make a copy. This behavior is powerful but requires caution to avoid unintended side effects.

std::span<const T>: A Read-Only View

A std::span<const T> provides a read-only view of the underlying data. It ensures that the function or algorithm can access the data without modifying it, promoting safety and clarity in cases where only observation is required.

Analyzing Data with a Read-Only std::span

#include <span>
#include <iostream>

void displayAverage(std::span<const int> data) {
    if (data.empty()) {
        std::cout << "No data to analyze.\n";
        return;
    }

    int sum = 0;
    for (int value : data) {
        sum += value;
    }
    double average = static_cast<double>(sum) / data.size();
    std::cout << "Average: " << average << "\n";
}

int main() {
    int numbers[] = {10, 20, 30, 40, 50};
    std::span<const int> span(numbers);  // Read-only span

    displayAverage(span);

    return 0;
}

Here, the displayAverage function takes a read-only span, ensuring the data remains unchanged. This is particularly useful for functions that perform calculations, logging, or display operations where data integrity must be maintained.

Key Differences Between std::span<T> and std::span<const T>

When to Use Each Type

• Use std::span<T> when the function needs to modify the data, such as applying transformations, sorting, or in-place updates.
• Use std::span<const T> for functions that only need to read or analyze the data. This provides an extra layer of safety by preventing unintended modifications and clarifying intent.

By choosing between std::span<T> and std::span<const T>, developers can make their intentions explicit, reduce bugs, and improve readability. This distinction is a cornerstone of C++’s emphasis on const-correctness, and std::span makes it easy to enforce these principles without sacrificing flexibility or performance.

Best Practices for Function Parameters with std::span

Using std::span as a function parameter is one of its most effective applications. It simplifies function signatures while providing type safety and flexibility, allowing you to write cleaner, more maintainable code. This section explores guidelines and examples to ensure best practices when using std::span in function parameters.

Why Use std::span for Function Parameters?

Passing std::span instead of raw pointers or container references offers several benefits:

• Flexibility: A single std::span parameter can accept various types of contiguous data, such as arrays, std::vector, or std::array.
• Safety: Unlike raw pointers, std::span enforces bounds and prevents accessing data outside the specified range.
• Clarity: By explicitly defining mutability or constness in the parameter type, you can make the function’s intent clear.

Accepting Contiguous Data with std::span

#include <span>
#include <iostream>

void printValues(std::span<const int> values) {
    std::cout << "Values: ";
    for (int value : values) {
        std::cout << value << " ";
    }
    std::cout << "\n";
}

int main() {
    int arr[] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
    std::vector<int> vec = {6, 7, 8, 9, 10};

    // Pass array
    printValues(arr);

    // Pass vector
    printValues(vec);

    return 0;
}

Here, the printValues function accepts a std::span<const int>, making it compatible with both a raw array and a std::vector. This versatility simplifies function design and usage without compromising safety.

Choosing Between Mutable and Read-Only Spans

When designing function parameters, consider the following:

1. Use std::span<const T> for functions that only read data. This clearly communicates that the data won’t be modified, enforcing const-correctness.
   • void computeSum(std::span<const int> data);
2. Use std::span<T> for functions that modify the data. This ensures the function has both read and write access.
   • void normalizeValues(std::span data);

By being explicit in your parameter types, you reduce ambiguity and improve readability.

Best Practices for Function Parameter Design

Practice Lifetime Management

std::span is a non-owning view, meaning the data it references must outlive the span. Ensure that the underlying data remains valid while the function operates.

void unsafeFunction() {
    std::span<int> invalidSpan;
    {
        int tempData[] = {1, 2, 3};
        invalidSpan = tempData;  // tempData goes out of scope here!
    }
    // invalidSpan now references invalid memory
}

Best Practice: Use std::span only with data that has a well-defined and valid lifetime during the span’s usage.

Avoid Overloading on std::span and Raw Pointers

To avoid ambiguity, use std::span consistently in your APIs rather than mixing it with raw pointers for contiguous data.

// Less consistent
void processData(int* data, std::size_t size);
void processData(std::span<int> data);

// Better approach
void processData(std::span<int> data);

Avoid Overuse of std::span

While std::span is flexible, overusing it in scenarios where direct container references suffice can add unnecessary abstraction.

// Not ideal for a single container type
void processData(std::span<int> data);

// Simpler for single container types
void processData(std::vector<int>& data);

Best Practice: Use std::span when the function is expected to work with multiple container types or partial ranges. For single-container scenarios, direct references might be clearer.

When used correctly, std::span simplifies function parameters while maintaining type safety, const-correctness, and flexibility. By explicitly choosing between std::span<const T> and std::span<T>, you can make your function’s intent clear, prevent unintended mutations, and enhance code readability. By following these best practices, you can design APIs that are both robust and intuitive.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls with std::span

While std::span offers many advantages, its non-owning nature requires careful handling to avoid common mistakes that can lead to undefined behavior or bugs. This section highlights common pitfalls and provides best practices for safely and effectively using std::span.

Managing the Lifetime of Underlying Data

Problem: std::span does not own the data it references, so the span becomes invalid if the underlying data is destroyed or goes out of scope.

std::span<int> danglingSpan;
{
    int temporaryArray[] = {1, 2, 3};
    danglingSpan = temporaryArray;  // temporaryArray goes out of scope here
}
// danglingSpan now points to invalid memory

Solution: Ensure the underlying data has a lifetime that extends at least as long as the span.

void safeUsage() {
    int permanentArray[] = {4, 5, 6};
    std::span<int> validSpan(permanentArray);

    // Use the span while the array remains in scope
    for (int value : validSpan) {
        std::cout << value << " ";
    }
}

Best Practice: Use spans with data that is either static, allocated on the heap, or explicitly managed to ensure validity.

Avoiding Out-of-Bounds Access

Although std::span performs bounds-checking with at() and provides safe slicing methods like first(), last(), and subspan(), careless usage of operator[] can lead to out-of-bounds access.

Problem: Out-of-Bounds Access

#include <span>
#include <iostream>

int main() {
    int data[] = {10, 20, 30};
    std::span<int> mySpan(data);

    // Accessing beyond the bounds of the array
    std::cout << mySpan[5] << "\n";  // Undefined behavior
    return 0;
}

Solution: Always use methods like at() or ensure indices are within the span’s size:

#include <span>
#include <iostream>

int main() {
    int data[] = {10, 20, 30};
    std::span<int> mySpan(data);

    // Safe access with bounds-checking
    if (mySpan.size() > 5) {
        std::cout << mySpan[5] << "\n";
    } else {
        std::cout << "Index out of bounds\n";
    }
    return 0;
}

Best Practice: Prefer at() for bounds-checked access in safety-critical applications, especially with user-supplied indices.

Handling Empty Spans

An empty span (e.g., created from a null pointer or zero-sized container) can be valid but must be handled carefully, especially when iterating or accessing elements.

Problem: An Empty Span

std::span<int> emptySpan;  // Default-constructed span is empty
std::cout << emptySpan.size() << "\n";  // Outputs 0

Solution: Check if the span is empty before accessing elements:

void handleSpan(std::span<int> data) {
    if (data.empty()) {
        std::cout << "Span is empty\n";
        return;
    }
    std::cout << "First element: " << data[0] << "\n";
}

Best Practice: Use empty() to explicitly check for empty spans before performing operations.

Avoiding Ambiguity in Overloads

Overloading functions to accept both std::span and other container types (like raw pointers or std::vector) can lead to ambiguous or confusing APIs.

Problem: An Ambiguous API

void processData(int* data, std::size_t size);
void processData(std::span<int> data);  // Overloaded for span

In such cases, users may be unsure which function to call, especially if their data could fit either overload.

Solution: Standardize on std::span when designing APIs that handle contiguous data. This reduces ambiguity and simplifies function usage:

void processData(std::span<int> data);  // Single, clear API

Best Practice: Prefer std::span as the primary interface for contiguous data to unify and simplify APIs.

By following these best practices, you can leverage the power of std::span while avoiding common mistakes. This ensures your code remains efficient, safe, and maintainable, unlocking the full potential of std::span in your applications.

In this article, we looked at how std::span helps enforce const-correctness and type safety in modern C++ programming. By leveraging std::span<T> for mutable data and std::span<const T> for read-only access, you can create functions with clear, explicit contracts about how data is accessed and modified. These practices reduce bugs and improve code readability and maintainability.

We also explored best practices for using std::span in function parameters, showcasing how it simplifies API design while maintaining flexibility. By following the guidelines for avoiding common pitfalls—such as managing the lifetime of the underlying data and ensuring bounds safety—you can fully harness the power of std::span while keeping your code robust and efficient.

In the next article, we’ll shift focus to performance considerations and limitations of std::span. We’ll explore why std::span is a lightweight and efficient abstraction, discuss scenarios where it may not be suitable, and provide practical tips for integrating it effectively into high-performance applications. Stay tuned to learn how to maximize std::span‘s potential while understanding its constraints!

Check out all of the articles in this 5-part series:

• Exploring C++ std::span – Part 1: An Introduction To the Non-Owning View
• Exploring C++ std::span – Part 2: Accessing Elements and Iterating
• Exploring C++ std::span – Part 3: Subviews and Slices
• Exploring C++ std::span – Part 4: Const-Correctness and Type-Safety
• Exploring C++ std::span – Part 5: Performance and Practicality

Learn More about the C++ Standard Library! Boost your C++ knowledge with my new book: Data Structures and Algorithms with the C++ STL!