DCL05-C. Use typedefs to improve code readability

Use type definitions (typedef) to improve code readability.

Noncompliant Code Example

The following declaration of the signal() function is difficult to read and comprehend.

void (*signal(int, void (*)(int)))(int);

This compliant solution makes use of type definitions to specify the same type as in the noncompliant code example.

typedef void (*SighandlerType)(int signum);
extern SighandlerType signal(
  int signum,
  SighandlerType handler
);

Code readability is important for discovering and eliminating vulnerabilities.

Recommendation	Severity	Likelihood	Remediation Cost	Priority	Level
DCL05-C	low	unlikely	medium	P2	L3

Tool	Version	Checker	Description
LDRA tool suite	9.7.1	299 S 381 S	Fully implemented
Compass/ROSE
PRQA QA-C	Unable to render {include} The included page could not be found.	Secondary Analysis	Fully implemented

Search for vulnerabilities resulting from the violation of this rule on the CERT website.

CERT C++ Secure Coding Standard	DCL05-CPP. Use typedefs to improve code readability
ISO/IEC TR 24772	"BRS Leveraging human experience"

[ISO/IEC 9899:2011]	Section 6.7.8, "Type Definitions"