qubit_codec/codec/codec.rs
1// =============================================================================
2// Copyright (c) 2026 Haixing Hu.
3//
4// SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
5//
6// Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
7// =============================================================================
8//! Low-level value codec trait.
9
10use core::num::NonZeroUsize;
11
12use super::decode_failure::DecodeFailure;
13
14/// Encodes and decodes one value or codec quantum against a unit buffer.
15///
16/// `Codec` is the lowest-level abstraction in the codec stack. It is intended
17/// for hot paths that have already validated buffer capacity and want to avoid
18/// constructing subslices for every value. Higher-level transcoders and
19/// convenience APIs are responsible for checked buffer management and owned
20/// output allocation.
21///
22/// `MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE` and `MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE` describe the readable
23/// representation-width bounds for one decoded value. If fewer than the
24/// minimum units are available, no complete value can exist, so a streaming
25/// caller can request more input or report an incomplete EOF tail. The minimum
26/// is also the smallest safety precondition checked callers must satisfy before
27/// entering [`decode`](Self::decode). The decode maximum bounds successful
28/// consumption and incomplete-input requirements for one value.
29///
30/// `MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE` is the independent value-agnostic upper bound
31/// for main-phase encode output. Reserving that many units makes encoding safe
32/// for every encodable value. Once a value and encode state are known, callers
33/// may instead reserve the exact [`encode_len`](Self::encode_len), which must
34/// not exceed the encode maximum. Complete-lifecycle adapters that still need
35/// to run [`encode_reset`](Self::encode_reset) must reserve the maximum first
36/// because reset may change the exact width.
37///
38/// A codec may keep decode-side and encode-side stream state. That state is an
39/// implementation detail owned by the codec. Callers do not snapshot or restore
40/// it; implementations must keep their own state internally consistent across
41/// every public operation. A failed decode attempt must not advance decode
42/// state, so callers can retry the same input after refilling their buffer or
43/// applying an invalid-input policy.
44///
45/// Decode operations see only the currently supplied input slice and codec
46/// state. [`decode`](Self::decode) treats that slice as an open stream segment;
47/// [`decode_eof`](Self::decode_eof) receives the same preconditions after the
48/// caller has established that no more units will arrive. Returning
49/// [`DecodeFailure::Incomplete`] from `decode` requests more input for the
50/// current value; it is not itself an EOF error. Codecs that need EOF-aware
51/// maximal-munch parsing or reinterpretation of a trailing prefix can override
52/// `decode_eof` without changing their streaming behavior.
53/// An incomplete failure may also retain codec-specific context through
54/// [`DecodeFailure::incomplete_with_source`]; stream drivers may ignore that
55/// context while retrying and use it for detailed EOF diagnostics.
56///
57/// # Associated Types
58///
59/// - `Value`: Logical value decoded from or encoded into the buffer. This may
60/// be a scalar such as `u8`, `u16`, `u64`, a `char`, a fixed quantum such as
61/// `[u8; 3]`, or an owned value such as `String`/`Vec<u8>`. Adapters that
62/// need scratch initialization add their own bounds at the use site.
63/// - `Unit`: Buffer unit used by the encoded representation. Implementations
64/// are typically scalar storage units such as `u8`, `u16`, or `char`.
65/// Adapters that allocate owned output add their own initialization bounds at
66/// the use site.
67///
68/// Implementors must uphold the safety contract documented by
69/// [`decode`](Self::decode), [`encode`](Self::encode),
70/// [`encode_reset`](Self::encode_reset), and
71/// [`decode_finish`](Self::decode_finish). Unchecked implementations must not
72/// read or write outside the caller-provided ranges. Implementations should use
73/// `debug_assert!` to state the expected buffer bounds at the unchecked entry
74/// point.
75///
76/// Implementations must also guarantee that
77/// [`MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE`](Self::MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE) is non-zero and no larger
78/// than [`MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE`](Self::MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE), which
79/// must also be non-zero. `MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE` may be zero for a codec
80/// that always buffers each accepted value instead of immediately emitting
81/// units. Checked adapters enforce the decode-bound invariants with
82/// compile-time assertions before using codec-provided bounds.
83///
84/// # Why the low-level methods are unchecked
85///
86/// The `unsafe` entry points are intentional: checked adapters validate the
87/// index and capacity preconditions once, then call [`encode`](Self::encode)
88/// and [`decode`](Self::decode) without rebuilding subslices or repeating
89/// bounds checks for every value. The `safe_vs_unchecked` benchmark in
90/// `benches/transcode.rs` compares the same 64 KiB copy loop in release mode.
91/// Its result is workload- and toolchain-specific, so callers should use
92/// checked adapters unless they can establish the documented preconditions at
93/// a trusted boundary. Measure representative codec workloads before choosing
94/// an unchecked entry point. Codec implementations should keep the unchecked
95/// methods small and use `debug_assert!` for those assumptions.
96pub trait Codec {
97 /// The type of logical values decoded from or encoded into the buffer.
98 type Value;
99
100 /// The type of buffer units used by the encoded representation.
101 type Unit;
102
103 /// The type of errors reported when decoding malformed units.
104 type DecodeError;
105
106 /// The type of errors reported when encoding an unsupported value.
107 type EncodeError;
108
109 /// The minimum possible non-zero readable unit count for one decoded value.
110 ///
111 /// This is a lower bound used by checked callers for planning and fast
112 /// impossibility checks. If a streaming decoder has fewer than this many
113 /// readable units, no complete value can be present at the current
114 /// position. It is also the denominator used by default decode hooks when
115 /// estimating the maximum number of values that can be produced from an
116 /// input unit count.
117 const MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE: usize;
118
119 /// The maximum unit count emitted when encoding one value.
120 ///
121 /// This is a value-independent upper bound for the main encode phase. When
122 /// no concrete value is available, reserving this many writable units is
123 /// sufficient for any encodable value, without first calling
124 /// [`encode_len`](Self::encode_len). For a known value, callers may reserve
125 /// only the exact length returned by `encode_len` instead. This bound does
126 /// not include output produced by encode reset or finish phases.
127 ///
128 /// This is also the multiplier used by default encode hooks when estimating
129 /// the maximum number of output units needed for an input value count.
130 ///
131 /// The bound may be zero for a codec that buffers every accepted value and
132 /// emits retained output only during a later lifecycle phase.
133 const MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE: usize;
134
135 /// The maximum non-zero unit count consumed to decode one value.
136 ///
137 /// This is a value-independent upper bound for one complete encoded value
138 /// or codec quantum on the decode side. Successful decode consumption and
139 /// the `required_total` carried by [`DecodeFailure::Incomplete`] must not
140 /// exceed this bound.
141 const MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE: usize;
142
143 /// The maximum unit count emitted when resetting encode state.
144 ///
145 /// This bound covers only output written by
146 /// [`encode_reset`](Self::encode_reset). It does not include hook-owned
147 /// reset output or any ordinary encoded input values. It must cover every
148 /// reachable pre-reset encode state. Stateless codecs should use the
149 /// default `0`.
150 const MAX_ENCODE_RESET_UNITS: usize = 0;
151
152 /// The maximum unit count emitted when finishing encode state at EOF.
153 ///
154 /// This bound covers only output written by
155 /// [`encode_finish`](Self::encode_finish). It does not include hook-owned
156 /// finish output and must cover every reachable encode state, even when the
157 /// current stream has no pending finish output. Stateless codecs should use
158 /// the default `0`. Codecs that emit a stream trailer (padding, checksum,
159 /// or end-of-stream marker) should override this with the exact maximum
160 /// unit count.
161 const MAX_ENCODE_FINISH_UNITS: usize = 0;
162
163 /// The maximum value count emitted when resetting decode state.
164 ///
165 /// This bound covers only values written by
166 /// [`decode_reset`](Self::decode_reset). It does not include hook-owned
167 /// reset output or values decoded from source units. It must cover every
168 /// reachable pre-reset decode state. Stateless codecs should use the
169 /// default `0`. Codecs that emit a stream-start sentinel or BOM on reset
170 /// should override this.
171 const MAX_DECODE_RESET_VALUES: usize = 0;
172
173 /// The maximum value count emitted when finishing decode state.
174 ///
175 /// This bound covers only values written by
176 /// [`decode_finish`](Self::decode_finish). It does not include hook-owned
177 /// finish output and must cover every reachable decode state, even when the
178 /// current stream has no pending finish output. Stateless codecs should use
179 /// the default `0`.
180 const MAX_DECODE_FINISH_VALUES: usize = 0;
181
182 /// Returns whether `value` is in this codec's encodable value domain.
183 ///
184 /// The default implementation returns `true`, which is correct for codecs
185 /// whose [`Value`](Self::Value) type contains only values they can encode.
186 /// Codecs whose logical value type is broader than their representation
187 /// domain, such as an ASCII codec with `Value = char`, must override this
188 /// method.
189 ///
190 /// Checked encoder adapters call this method in the same codec state used
191 /// to query [`encode_len`](Self::encode_len) and enter the unsafe
192 /// [`encode`](Self::encode) method. Complete-lifecycle adapters do so after
193 /// [`encode_reset`](Self::encode_reset). Direct unsafe callers must uphold
194 /// the same ordering.
195 ///
196 /// # Parameters
197 ///
198 /// - `value`: Value whose encodability is queried.
199 ///
200 /// # Returns
201 ///
202 /// Returns `true` when `value` may be passed to
203 /// [`encode_len`](Self::encode_len) and [`encode`](Self::encode).
204 #[inline(always)]
205 #[must_use]
206 fn can_encode_value(&self, _value: &Self::Value) -> bool {
207 true
208 }
209
210 /// Returns the exact unit count this codec will write when encoding
211 /// `value`.
212 ///
213 /// The default implementation returns
214 /// [`MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE`](Self::MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE). This
215 /// default is correct only when every successful main encode writes exactly
216 /// that many units in the relevant codec state, as fixed-width codecs
217 /// normally do.
218 ///
219 /// Variable-width, buffering, or otherwise state-dependent codecs must
220 /// override this method to report the true encoded length for encodable
221 /// `value`s. The return value is never an estimate or an "unknown" marker:
222 /// it must equal the unit count [`encode`](Self::encode) subsequently
223 /// writes for the same `value` under the same codec state. It must also
224 /// never exceed
225 /// [`MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE`](Self::MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE).
226 /// Callers that do not yet have a concrete value should use
227 /// `MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE` directly instead of calling this method.
228 ///
229 /// Default codec-backed encoders use this exact value for per-value output
230 /// capacity. The contract requires callers to use this method only when
231 /// [`can_encode_value`](Self::can_encode_value) returned `true` for the
232 /// same `value`.
233 ///
234 /// # Parameters
235 ///
236 /// - `value`: Value whose encoded length is queried.
237 ///
238 /// # Returns
239 ///
240 /// Returns the unit count [`encode`](Self::encode) will write for an
241 /// encodable `value`.
242 ///
243 /// A return value of `0` is valid for stateful encoders that accept a
244 /// value into internal state without immediately emitting units. Examples
245 /// include codecs that aggregate values into fixed-size quanta, shift-state
246 /// encodings, or framing layers that defer output until enough values have
247 /// been seen or EOF is finalized. Stateless and directly value-to-unit
248 /// codecs should continue returning a positive length.
249 #[inline(always)]
250 #[must_use]
251 fn encode_len(&self, _value: &Self::Value) -> usize {
252 Self::MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE
253 }
254
255 /// Emits stream-start output and resets encode-side state.
256 ///
257 /// # Parameters
258 ///
259 /// - `output`: Destination unit buffer.
260 /// - `output_index`: Start index in `output`.
261 ///
262 /// # Returns
263 ///
264 /// Returns the number of reset units written.
265 ///
266 /// # Errors
267 ///
268 /// Returns `Self::EncodeError` when reset output cannot be emitted.
269 /// Implementations must leave encode state unchanged when returning an
270 /// error.
271 ///
272 /// # Safety
273 ///
274 /// The caller must guarantee that the implementation can write up to
275 /// [`MAX_ENCODE_RESET_UNITS`](Self::MAX_ENCODE_RESET_UNITS) units starting
276 /// at `output_index`.
277 #[inline(always)]
278 #[must_use = "reset output and reset errors must be handled"]
279 unsafe fn encode_reset(
280 &mut self,
281 _output: &mut [Self::Unit],
282 _output_index: usize,
283 ) -> Result<usize, Self::EncodeError> {
284 Ok(0)
285 }
286
287 /// Encodes one borrowed value into `output` starting at `output_index`.
288 ///
289 /// # Parameters
290 ///
291 /// - `value`: Value to encode.
292 /// - `output`: Destination unit buffer.
293 /// - `output_index`: Start index in `output`.
294 ///
295 /// # Returns
296 ///
297 /// Returns the number of written units.
298 ///
299 /// A successful encode may return `0` when the codec accepted `value` into
300 /// internal encode-side state but intentionally deferred output. This is
301 /// the normal shape for accumulative encoders such as base64-byte
302 /// aggregators, shift-state encodings, or frame builders. In that case
303 /// [`encode_len`](Self::encode_len) for the same `value` and state must
304 /// also return `0`, and the retained output must be emitted by a later
305 /// successful [`encode`](Self::encode),
306 /// [`encode_finish`](Self::encode_finish), or codec-specific facade.
307 ///
308 /// # Errors
309 ///
310 /// Returns `Self::EncodeError` for encode-side state or representation
311 /// failures other than a value being outside the codec's encodable domain.
312 /// Checked callers reject values for which
313 /// [`can_encode_value`](Self::can_encode_value) returns `false` before
314 /// entering this unsafe method. Implementations must leave their internal
315 /// state consistent when returning an error.
316 ///
317 /// # Safety
318 ///
319 /// The caller must guarantee that
320 /// [`can_encode_value`](Self::can_encode_value) returned `true` for
321 /// `value`. Starting at `output_index`, the caller must also provide either
322 /// at least
323 /// [`MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE`](Self::MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE)
324 /// writable
325 /// units, which is sufficient for every encodable value, or at least the
326 /// exact [`encode_len`](Self::encode_len) for the same `value` and codec
327 /// state. On success, implementations must return that exact written unit
328 /// count, including `0` for deliberate buffering, and the count must be no
329 /// larger than `MAX_ENCODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE`. Implementations must not write
330 /// beyond the exact `encode_len` capacity on either the success or error
331 /// path.
332 #[must_use = "encoded length and encode errors must be handled"]
333 unsafe fn encode(
334 &mut self,
335 value: &Self::Value,
336 output: &mut [Self::Unit],
337 output_index: usize,
338 ) -> Result<usize, Self::EncodeError>;
339
340 /// Emits EOF trailer output and finishes encode-side state.
341 ///
342 /// This is the encode-side counterpart of
343 /// [`decode_finish`](Self::decode_finish). Codecs that append stream
344 /// trailers (padding, checksums, end-of-stream markers) emit them here.
345 /// Stateless codecs use the default no-op.
346 ///
347 /// # Parameters
348 ///
349 /// - `output`: Destination unit buffer.
350 /// - `output_index`: Start index in `output`.
351 ///
352 /// # Returns
353 ///
354 /// Returns the number of finish units written.
355 ///
356 /// # Errors
357 ///
358 /// Returns `Self::EncodeError` when finish output cannot be emitted.
359 /// Implementations must leave their internal state consistent when
360 /// returning an error.
361 ///
362 /// # Safety
363 ///
364 /// The caller must guarantee that the implementation can write up to
365 /// [`MAX_ENCODE_FINISH_UNITS`](Self::MAX_ENCODE_FINISH_UNITS) units
366 /// starting at `output_index`.
367 #[inline(always)]
368 #[must_use = "finish output and finish errors must be handled"]
369 unsafe fn encode_finish(
370 &mut self,
371 _output: &mut [Self::Unit],
372 _output_index: usize,
373 ) -> Result<usize, Self::EncodeError> {
374 Ok(0)
375 }
376
377 /// Emits stream-start values and resets decode-side state.
378 ///
379 /// This is the decode-side counterpart of
380 /// [`encode_reset`](Self::encode_reset). Codecs that emit a
381 /// stream-start marker or BOM before decoding a new stream emit them
382 /// here. Stateless codecs use the default no-op.
383 ///
384 /// # Parameters
385 ///
386 /// - `output`: Destination value buffer.
387 /// - `output_index`: Start index in `output`.
388 ///
389 /// # Returns
390 ///
391 /// Returns the number of reset values written.
392 ///
393 /// # Errors
394 ///
395 /// Returns `Self::DecodeError` when reset output cannot be emitted.
396 /// Implementations must leave their internal state consistent when
397 /// returning an error.
398 ///
399 /// # Safety
400 ///
401 /// The caller must guarantee that the implementation can write up to
402 /// [`MAX_DECODE_RESET_VALUES`](Self::MAX_DECODE_RESET_VALUES) values
403 /// starting at `output_index`.
404 #[inline(always)]
405 #[must_use = "reset output and reset errors must be handled"]
406 unsafe fn decode_reset(
407 &mut self,
408 _output: &mut [Self::Value],
409 _output_index: usize,
410 ) -> Result<usize, Self::DecodeError> {
411 Ok(0)
412 }
413
414 /// Decodes one value from `input` starting at `input_index`.
415 ///
416 /// # Parameters
417 ///
418 /// - `input`: Source unit buffer.
419 /// - `input_index`: Start index in `input`.
420 ///
421 /// # Returns
422 ///
423 /// Returns the decoded value and the non-zero number of consumed units.
424 ///
425 /// # Errors
426 ///
427 /// Returns [`DecodeFailure::Incomplete`] when the visible input is a
428 /// valid prefix but more units are needed to decide or complete a value.
429 /// This reports a streaming boundary, not a final EOF condition; the
430 /// caller or higher-level adapter decides what an incomplete tail means
431 /// when the upstream source is closed. Codec-specific context may be
432 /// retained in the failure's optional `source` field.
433 /// Returns [`DecodeFailure::Invalid`] when the units are malformed,
434 /// non-canonical, unmappable, or otherwise invalid for this codec and the
435 /// span is known or unknown. Unknown span is represented as
436 /// [`DecodeFailure::Invalid`] with an unknown consumed-unit hint.
437 /// Implementations must leave their internal state consistent when
438 /// returning an error.
439 ///
440 /// # Safety
441 ///
442 /// The caller must guarantee that `input_index` is a valid boundary in
443 /// `input` and that at least
444 /// [`MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE`](Self::MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE)
445 /// units are readable from `input_index`. Implementations must not read
446 /// beyond the currently available units under that precondition. They
447 /// may return [`DecodeFailure::Incomplete`] when those units are a
448 /// valid but incomplete prefix.
449 ///
450 /// On success, implementations must return a consumed unit count no larger
451 /// than either the available input or
452 /// [`MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE`](Self::MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE). An
453 /// incomplete result's `required_total` must also not exceed that maximum.
454 /// The return type guarantees that successful decoding always consumes at
455 /// least one unit. Implementations should use `debug_assert!` to state
456 /// these unchecked entry-point assumptions.
457 #[must_use = "decoded value, consumed length, and decode errors must be handled"]
458 unsafe fn decode(
459 &mut self,
460 input: &[Self::Unit],
461 input_index: usize,
462 ) -> Result<(Self::Value, NonZeroUsize), DecodeFailure<Self::DecodeError>>;
463
464 /// Decodes one value after the caller has established end of input.
465 ///
466 /// This method has the same safety and state guarantees as
467 /// [`decode`](Self::decode), but may resolve an otherwise incomplete
468 /// trailing prefix using EOF-aware format rules. The default preserves the
469 /// open-stream behavior by delegating to [`decode`](Self::decode).
470 ///
471 /// # Safety
472 ///
473 /// The caller must satisfy the same input-index and minimum-readable-unit
474 /// preconditions as [`decode`](Self::decode). Implementations must not
475 /// read beyond the currently available units.
476 #[inline(always)]
477 #[must_use = "decoded value, consumed length, and decode errors must be handled"]
478 unsafe fn decode_eof(
479 &mut self,
480 input: &[Self::Unit],
481 input_index: usize,
482 ) -> Result<(Self::Value, NonZeroUsize), DecodeFailure<Self::DecodeError>>
483 {
484 // SAFETY: `decode_eof` has the same preconditions as `decode`.
485 unsafe { self.decode(input, input_index) }
486 }
487
488 /// Finishes decode-side EOF state into `output`.
489 ///
490 /// `decode_finish` receives no source input. Callers must have already
491 /// handled any tail reported by [`DecodeFailure::Incomplete`] before
492 /// finishing decode state. Implementations may emit retained values or
493 /// validate internal EOF state, but they must not depend on re-reading the
494 /// incomplete source tail.
495 ///
496 /// # Parameters
497 ///
498 /// - `output`: Destination value buffer.
499 /// - `output_index`: Start index in `output`.
500 ///
501 /// # Returns
502 ///
503 /// Returns the number of finished values written.
504 ///
505 /// # Errors
506 ///
507 /// Returns `Self::DecodeError` when retained decode state is invalid at
508 /// EOF. Implementations must leave their internal state consistent when
509 /// returning an error.
510 ///
511 /// # Safety
512 ///
513 /// The caller must guarantee that the implementation can write up to
514 /// [`MAX_DECODE_FINISH_VALUES`](Self::MAX_DECODE_FINISH_VALUES) values
515 /// starting at `output_index`.
516 #[inline(always)]
517 #[must_use = "finish output length and finish errors must be handled"]
518 unsafe fn decode_finish(
519 &mut self,
520 _output: &mut [Self::Value],
521 _output_index: usize,
522 ) -> Result<usize, Self::DecodeError> {
523 Ok(0)
524 }
525}
526
527/// Compile-time asserts the public unit-bound invariants required by [`Codec`].
528///
529/// # Type Parameters
530///
531/// - `C`: Codec implementation to validate.
532///
533/// # Returns
534///
535/// Returns unit `()`.
536///
537/// # Panics
538///
539/// Panics at compile time when either decode width bound is zero or when
540/// [`Codec::MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE`] is greater than
541/// [`Codec::MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE`], because these invariants must hold
542/// for any well-formed [`Codec`] implementation and violating them is always a
543/// bug.
544#[inline(always)]
545pub(crate) fn assert_unit_bounds<C>()
546where
547 C: Codec,
548{
549 const {
550 assert!(
551 C::MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE > 0,
552 "Codec::MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE must be non-zero",
553 );
554 assert!(
555 C::MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE > 0,
556 "Codec::MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE must be non-zero",
557 );
558 assert!(
559 C::MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE <= C::MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE,
560 "Codec::MIN_UNITS_PER_VALUE must not exceed Codec::MAX_DECODE_UNITS_PER_VALUE",
561 );
562 }
563}