std::print() wrapper with altered format
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Here’s a rewritten version of your question:
“I’m trying to create a std::print() wrapper that modifies the output format, such as adding a prefix and suffix around the original format. I was able to achieve this using a macro. How can I improve this approach or implement it differently for more flexibility?”
#define DECORATED_PRINT(fmt, ...) std::println("prefix " fmt " suffix", __VA_ARGS__) -
Z zaasmi marked this topic as a question on
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Here’s a rewritten version of your question:
“I’m trying to create a std::print() wrapper that modifies the output format, such as adding a prefix and suffix around the original format. I was able to achieve this using a macro. How can I improve this approach or implement it differently for more flexibility?”
#define DECORATED_PRINT(fmt, ...) std::println("prefix " fmt " suffix", __VA_ARGS__)@zaasmi said in std::print() wrapper with altered format:
Here’s a rewritten version of your question:
“I’m trying to create a std::print() wrapper that modifies the output format, such as adding a prefix and suffix around the original format. I was able to achieve this using a macro. How can I improve this approach or implement it differently for more flexibility?”
#define DECORATED_PRINT(fmt, ...) std::println("prefix " fmt " suffix", __VA_ARGS__)To achieve a std::print() wrapper with a modified format (e.g., adding a prefix and suffix), using a macro is one way, but there are other approaches that might offer more flexibility and better maintainability. Here are a few options:
- Using a Macro
You can use a macro to wrap std::print() and modify the format. Here’s a simple example:
#define PRINT_WITH_FORMAT(fmt, ...) std::print("[Prefix] " fmt " [Suffix]\n", ##__VA_ARGS__)While this works, macros have limitations in terms of type safety, debugging, and maintainability, especially for larger projects.
- Using a Function Template
For more flexibility, you can create a function template that wraps std::print() and modifies the format. This way, you avoid the pitfalls of macros while still achieving the same goal:
#include <format> #include <iostream> template<typename... Args> void print_with_format(const std::string& fmt, Args&&... args) { std::string formatted_message = std::format("[Prefix] " + fmt + " [Suffix]\n", std::forward<Args>(args)...); std::cout << formatted_message; }Usage:
print_with_format("Hello, {}!", "World");- Custom Formatter (Advanced)
If you want more control over the formatting process, you can create a custom formatter by extending std::formatter:
#include <format> #include <iostream> template <> struct std::formatter<std::string> { constexpr auto parse(auto& ctx) { return ctx.begin(); } auto format(const std::string& s, auto& ctx) { return std::format_to(ctx.out(), "[Prefix] {} [Suffix]", s); } }; void print_with_format(const std::string& message) { std::cout << std::format("{}", message) << '\n'; }This approach gives you deep customization over how different types are formatted.
Conclusion
• Macros are quick and simple but have limitations in flexibility and maintainability.
• Function templates offer a more modern, type-safe, and maintainable solution.
• Custom formatters provide advanced control and customization, especially for complex formatting needs.For most use cases, the function template approach strikes a good balance between flexibility and simplicity.
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