[Programming Solution] How to Sharing a ValueTuple Between Files

I have an email from Readers. So, he want to share data type between a file in C# but he get stuck when he's try with "using" for ValueTuple and this is the main problem from him:

1. Using Alias for ValueTuple

He define TranspositionTableEntry as ValueTuple with using:

  using TranspositionTableEntry = (ulong fullHash, int searchDepth, int
  refutationTo, int refutationFrom, double eval, NodeType type);

However, this alias is only valid in the file where it is declared.

2. Using Alias for type that already exist

He trying this too:

    using TranspositionTableEntry = TranspositionTable.TranspositionTableEntry;
    

But it's not working too because TranspositionTableEntry is not declare in TranspositionTable.

So, this is my solution for him:

✅ Define the Alias in a Common File

You need to create a separate file e.g. TranspositionTableEntry.cs and define the alias like this:

  // TranspositionTableEntry.cs
namespace YourNamespace
{
    using TranspositionTableEntry = (ulong fullHash, int searchDepth, int refutationTo, int refutationFrom, double eval, NodeType type);
}
  

Then in TranspositionTableEntry.cs and Ai.cs import the namespace:

  using YourNamespace;
  

Now, TranspositionTableEntry is available in both files.

Why this is better than redefining in each files?
If you redefine in each file it will run into inconsistencies when you update the structure. With code from my solution which is centralize the alias, it will ensure that all files reference to the same definition.

By the way I actually have another solution, maybe this can give you inspiration I will using struct instead of a tuple.

 
This is the code:

public readonly struct TranspositionTableEntry
{
    public ulong FullHash { get; }
    public int SearchDepth { get; }
    public int RefutationTo { get; }
    public int RefutationFrom { get; }
    public double Eval { get; }
    public NodeType Type { get; }

    public TranspositionTableEntry(ulong fullHash, int searchDepth, int refutationTo, int refutationFrom, double eval, NodeType type)
    {
        FullHash = fullHash;
        SearchDepth = searchDepth;
        RefutationTo = refutationTo;
        RefutationFrom = refutationFrom;
        Eval = eval;
        Type = type;
    }
}
  

Struct will avoid heap allocations, it's work like ValueTuple that providing better code and maintainability.

To optimizing performance in C#, choosing the right data structure is very crucial. In my experience, by leveraging ValueTuple with a shared alias, it will keep your code clean and efficient too. And if you need extra flexibility, a struct is the solution.

So What do you think Readers? Will you choose ValueTuple, or a struct? Let’s discuss in the comments! 🚀

Happy coding! 😃💻