links: https://doc.rust-lang.org/reference/trait-bounds.html#lifetime-bounds
Lifetime bounds in traits are used to specify how the lifetimes of different references relate to each other within the scope of that trait’s methods. When you define a trait with lifetime bounds, you’re indicating that the implementation of the trait may involve references that need to conform to certain lifetime constraints
Here’s a basic example of a trait with lifetime bounds:
trait MyTrait<'a> {
fn my_function(&'a self);
}
In this example, 'a is a lifetime bound associated with the trait MyTrait. Any type that implements MyTrait must ensure that the references in my_function live at least as long as the lifetime 'a.
When implementing this trait for a struct, you would also need to specify the lifetime:
struct MyStruct<'a> {
// fields go here
}
impl<'a> MyTrait<'a> for MyStruct<'a> {
fn my_function(&'a self) {
// implementation goes here
}
}
The lifetime specifier 'a in the trait and its implementation ensures that the compiler can verify the lifetimes of references and prevent issues like dangling references or other lifetime-related errors. This is crucial for maintaining the safety guarantees that Rust provides