datatype99 ☆

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Description:
Algebraic data types for C99

Type: Formula | Latest Version: 1.6.5@0 | Tracked Since: Dec 17, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: c99 metaprogramming algebraic-data-types pattern-matching header-only development

Install: brew install datatype99

About:
datatype99 is a C99 library that provides algebraic data types (ADTs) and pattern matching through advanced preprocessor metaprogramming. It enables developers to write expressive, type-safe, and boilerplate-free C code by simulating high-level functional programming constructs. The library is powered by Metalang99, a powerful C preprocessor framework for complex metaprogramming.

Key Features:

Algebraic data types (sum and product types) for C
Expressive pattern matching capabilities
Zero runtime overhead via preprocessor metaprogramming
Header-only library for easy integration
Powered by the Metalang99 metaprogramming library

Use Cases:

Implementing state machines and parsers with cleaner, more maintainable code
Modeling complex data structures and domain logic in C projects
Reducing boilerplate and error-prone manual type management

Alternatives:

tagged-unions – A simpler, more lightweight alternative for tagged unions, but lacks the extensive metaprogramming and pattern matching features of datatype99.
GObject – A full-fledged object-oriented framework for C, but is much heavier and designed for a different purpose (object orientation vs. functional ADTs).

License: MIT

Dependencies: metalang99

Bottles available for: all

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Mar 11, 2023 9:04pm		0	VERSION_BUMP	e7331549
Mar 11, 2023 9:04pm		0	VERSION_BUMP	a78870e4