Linked list: struct for creating(?) Node?

Question

I came across typedef declaration or definition(?) while learning about linked listsin c:

typedef struct _node{
 int a;
 struct _node* next
} node;

I have no idea how it can work since the above typedef declaration's body it initiates a pointer variable with its own structure(it seems like _node is being used while defining _node). Or is there anything wrong in my understanding of what it actually does? From depiction maybe I got confused over different terms as well.

The code you presented is invalid. Could be struct _node *next;. — KamilCuk
– KamilCuk, Commented Feb 2, 2020 at 13:41
No doubt this is a typo. The supplied snippet does not even compile. — KrisW
– KrisW, Commented Feb 2, 2020 at 13:43

dan1st · Accepted Answer · 2020-02-02 14:02:43Z

2

Also, the type definition will only work after the struct is defined and not while defining it(C does only allow forward definitions).

This is why you cannot use node but struct node_.

In the code, you can use node because the compiler will interpret it as struct node_.

edited Feb 2, 2020 at 14:02

answered Feb 2, 2020 at 13:43

dan1st

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1 Comment

BangolPhoenix Over a year ago

Thank you! I wrote it wrong( I mean the part struct* _node = next so I edited my post. Sorry for the confusion) but u said typedef only works after struct is defined so does it mean the code above can work without predefined struct for _node??

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