---
title: Structs
description: Data modeling with Mist's name-first field convention.
icon: Form
---

Structs in Mist follow the same structural logic as Rust, with fields using the language-wide `name Type` convention and comma-separated grouping.

## Basic Syntax

A struct is defined by its name followed by a block of fields. Each field places the identifier before the type.

```mist
pub struct Task {
    pub name String,
    pub state TaskState,
    pub executions i32,
}
```

## Visibility

Use the `pub` modifier to make the struct or its individual fields accessible from other modules.

```mist
pub struct NetworkNode {
    pub id u32,
    address *str,
}
```

## Instantiation

Structs are instantiated using the standard brace syntax.

```mist
let task = Task {
    name: "Initialize".to_string(),
    state: TaskState::Pending,
    executions: 0,
};
```

## Destructuring

Struct patterns use `let` with the struct name and field bindings:

```mist
let p = Point { x: 3, y: 4 };
let Point { x, y } = p;
```

## Generics & Lifetimes

Generics and lifetimes are declared in angle brackets after the struct name. Reference types use the `*` prefix.

```mist
pub struct Buffer<'a, T> {
    pub data *'a T,
    pub len usize,
}
```

## Key Characteristics

- **Name-First Declaration**: Fields use `name Type` order, consistent with function parameters and variable declarations.
- **Comma-Separated Members**: Fields are separated by commas, maintaining a clean delimiter style.
- **Rust Compatibility**: Maps 1:1 to Rust structs, ensuring zero-cost abstraction and full ecosystem interoperability.
- **Direct Visibility**: The `pub` modifier controls access at the struct and field level.