std::visit
Process variant alternatives.
std::visit is a free C++ Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 4 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the C++ Academy learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
Why std::visit?
Manually checking each alternative with get_if gets verbose. std::visit applies a callable to whichever type the variant currently holds, handling the dispatch for you.
#include <iostream>
#include <variant>
int main() {
std::variant<int, double> v = 4;
std::visit([](auto x){ std::cout << x << "\n"; }, v);
}A Generic Lambda Visitor
A lambda taking auto works for every alternative if the body compiles for all of them. Here we print whatever type is active.
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include <variant>
int main() {
std::variant<int, std::string> v = std::string("hi");
std::visit([](const auto& x){ std::cout << x << "\n"; }, v);
}Returning a Value
std::visit can return a value. Every branch must return the same type.
#include <iostream>
#include <variant>
int main() {
std::variant<int, double> v = 2.5;
double d = std::visit([](auto x){ return x * 2.0; }, v);
std::cout << d << "\n";
}Per-Type Behavior with if constexpr
To act differently per type inside one generic lambda, combine if constexpr with std::decay_t and std::is_same_v.
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include <variant>
#include <type_traits>
int main() {
std::variant<int, std::string> v = 5;
std::visit([](const auto& x){
using T = std::decay_t<decltype(x)>;
if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, int>) std::cout << "int " << x << "\n";
else std::cout << "str " << x << "\n";
}, v);
}A Struct Visitor
You can also write a struct with multiple operator() overloads, one per type. The compiler picks the matching overload.
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include <variant>
struct Printer {
void operator()(int i) const { std::cout << "int " << i << "\n"; }
void operator()(const std::string& s) const { std::cout << "str " << s << "\n"; }
};
int main() {
std::variant<int, std::string> v = std::string("yo");
std::visit(Printer{}, v);
}The Overloaded Idiom
A popular helper combines several lambdas into one visitor. Each lambda handles a specific type.
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include <variant>
template<class... Ts> struct overloaded : Ts... { using Ts::operator()...; };
template<class... Ts> overloaded(Ts...) -> overloaded<Ts...>;
int main() {
std::variant<int, std::string> v = 8;
std::visit(overloaded{
[](int i){ std::cout << "i=" << i << "\n"; },
[](const std::string& s){ std::cout << "s=" << s << "\n"; }
}, v);
}Exhaustiveness
A visitor must handle every alternative, or the code fails to compile. This compile-time check prevents forgetting a case.
Visiting and Mutating
If you pass the variant by non-const reference, the visitor can modify the stored value in place.
#include <iostream>
#include <variant>
int main() {
std::variant<int, double> v = 10;
std::visit([](auto& x){ x += 1; }, v);
std::cout << std::get<int>(v) << "\n";
}Multiple Variants
std::visit can take several variants at once; the visitor then receives one argument per variant.
#include <iostream>
#include <variant>
int main() {
std::variant<int, double> a = 2;
std::variant<int, double> b = 3.0;
auto sum = std::visit([](auto x, auto y){ return x + y; }, a, b);
std::cout << sum << "\n";
}Choosing a Visitor Style
Use a generic auto lambda for uniform handling, the overloaded idiom for clean per-type logic, and a struct visitor when behavior is reusable across call sites.
Visit vs get_if
get_if is fine for a single quick check, but std::visit scales: it enforces exhaustiveness and keeps all per-type logic in one place.
Quick Check
Check your understanding of std::visit.
Recap
You learned std::visit:
- Dispatches a callable to the active alternative.
- Use generic lambdas,
if constexpr, struct visitors, or the overloaded idiom. - Visitors must be exhaustive (compile-time check).
- Can return values and visit multiple variants together.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “std::visit” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “std::visit” is free to read here on the web, and the C++ Academy course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the C++ Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “std::visit”?
Process variant alternatives. You practise C++ Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start C++ Academy?
No prior experience is required. C++ Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 4 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “std::visit” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this C++ Academy lesson?
Yes. Every C++ Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.