MaybeOptionInt

MaybeOptionInt is a data type that represents an integer value which may or may not be present. It is commonly used in programming to handle situations where a value is optional or might be missing. This type is designed to explicitly indicate the absence of a value, distinguishing it from a default value like zero, which could be a valid integer.

The core concept of MaybeOptionInt is to provide a safe way to work with potentially absent integer data. Instead of relying on special sentinel values or risking null pointer exceptions, a MaybeOptionInt can be either "some" integer or "none". This explicit representation helps prevent runtime errors and makes the code's intent clearer.

When a MaybeOptionInt holds an integer, it is considered "some" value. When it does not hold an integer, it is considered "none". Programming languages and libraries that implement this concept usually provide methods to check if a value is present and to safely extract it if it is. This avoids the need for cumbersome conditional checks that might otherwise be scattered throughout the code. The use of MaybeOptionInt promotes more robust and predictable software by managing the uncertainty of missing data in a structured manner.