filling an array of structures

[Brad]

Given an array of structures that you need to populate.
Also assume the structure is quite large and has many
elements to fill in.

S s[];
while (something) {
  s.length += 1;
  auto sp = &s[$-1];   // method 1
  sp.a = 1;
  ...
  with (s[$-1]) {   // method 2
    a = 1;
  }
  ...
  foreach (ref sp; s[$-1..$]) {  // method 3
    sp.a = 1;
  }
}

I don't mind 'with' statements, but they have a readability and
maintenance problem if their scope is large.  The reader would have
to be aware of the context of the structure and the local variables,
whereas 'sp.a' is self documenting.

method 3 is fine, and provides me with a reference to s[$-1],
but I'd really like to have:
   auto sp = ref s[$-1];  // possible method 4
where sp is a reference, but no pointer arithmetic can be done on it.

Another alternative would be runtime aliases.
   alias s[$-1] as sp;
Or
   sp = with (s[$-1]); // I don't much like this syntax...

In the meantime, I'll go with method 1.

  -- Brad