# Patterns/result Type

> Result Type Pattern (C-Specific) pattern for C development

- Skill: `majiayu000/patterns-result-type` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add majiayu000/patterns-result-type`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/patterns-result-type/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/patterns-result-type

---


# Result Type Pattern (C-Specific)

Return struct containing success/failure status plus value or error. Explicit error handling without exceptions. Caller must check result.

## ikigai Application

**Core type:** `res_t` used throughout:
```c
res_t result = ik_cfg_load(ctx, path, &cfg);
if (!result.ok) {
    // Handle error, result.error contains message
}
```

**Macros:**
- `OK(value)` - Construct success result
- `ERR(msg)` - Construct error result
- `TRY(expr)` - Propagate error if failed
- `CHECK(cond, msg)` - Return error if condition false

**Benefits:**
- Errors can't be ignored (must check `.ok`)
- Error context propagates up call stack
- No hidden control flow (unlike exceptions)

**See:** `project/error_handling.md` for patterns.