The pImpl Idiom
The pImpl idiom is a useful idiom in C++ to reduce compile-time dependencies. Here is a quick overview of what to keep in mind when we implement and use it.
Simple data structures
Keep simple data structures simple! There’s no need for artificial pseudo-encapsulation when all you have is a bunch of data.
std::string is not a Container for Raw Data
Sometimes we need unformatted data, simple byte sequences. At first glance, std::string might be a fitting data structure for that, but it is not.
C++ Quizzes and Trick Questions – Do we Have to Know the Answers?
If you follow some C++ social media accounts you will now and then encounter C++ quizzes and trick questions. Do we need to know the answers to be good C++ […]
Calling C Code from C++ With ‘extern “C”‘
Now and then we have the need to call functionality that was written in C from our C++ programs. For that, we need to use and understand extern “C”.
std::make_shared vs. the Normal std::shared_ptr Constructor
There are two different ways to create a std::shared_ptr: via one of its constructors and via std::make_shared. Both have their merits and different tradeoffs.
Same, same, but different: when different values compare equal
In C++, there are a few ways how values that we would consider different compare equal. A short overview.
Modern C++ Features – Quality-of-Life Features
With the new C++ standards, we got a lot of features that feel like “quality-of-life” features. They make things easier for the programmer but do not add functionality that wasn’t […]
“Modern C++” != “New(est) Standard”
The term “Modern C++” is often used interchangeably with “Code using the new C++ standard”. Here, “new” may be anything from C++11 to C++17 or even whatever is available of […]
In the name of Elegance
Today I am pleased to announce another guest post by Matt Bentley. Matt writes about when elegance in code can hurt simplicity. If you’d like to write a guest post […]