Wednesday 25 October 2017

Your Guide to Great C++ Coding

Are you doing C++ programming course? C++ developers encounter several errors while coding. If you are working with this language, it’s important you know about these mistakes beforehand so that you can make full use of it. Here are a few pointers that can guide you along the great experience with C++. 

C++ programming course

Useful Programming Tricks for C++
  • Statement for Smaller Programs

The std namespace operator in C++ features data-stream objects, such as cin and cout. So when you write a code, you put it this way:

std::cout << "Hi." << std::endl;

It’s slightly tedious. You can replace the above code with the following statement in the beginning of most of your programming work:
using namespace std;

  • Local Variables over Global Variables

Most coders face this confusion whether they should use local variable or global variable. The simple solution is:
  1. Use global variables when several functions need to share information. This implies define them outside all functions.
  2. If a variable stores information to be communicated between several functions, either make it global or pass the information by showing the variable in a parameter (part of an argument list).

According to seasoned programmers, being very selective with the use of global variables is better. When you use global variable, the internal action of one function can meddle with the internal action of the other function. In case of long coding work, it turns out to be a common problem. That’s why use of local variables in most cases is recommended.

  • Use of Classes and Objects 

As a beginner, you are taught to declare data structure into a class and every function as a member of that class. In the era of 90’s, this practice was widespread. However, in recent times, programmers have realized that using unnecessary classes can consume more space. In GUI like model, using object or class is necessary in order to generate accurate responses for the requested services. But, in other cases, you can do with the basics of class and object syntax. This will help you to use the Standard Template Library (STL) in the most efficient way, making your programming job easier. From lists, stacks to strings, you will be able to access all the facilities of this library.

  • No “Magic Numbers”

Undocumented literal constants that are declared in a program are referred to as “magic number”.  For example:-

char input_string[81];

81 is a “magic number” since it’s not self-explanatory. You can manipulate the use of numbers with #define or enum statements using symbolic names, such as SCREEN_WIDTH. Here is an example:

#define SCREEN_WIDTH 80

SCREEN_WIDTH makes more sense than 81. By chance, you have to reset the width later, you can do it by changing just one line in the code. It will reflect in the statements this way:
int input_string[SCREEN_WIDTH + 1];

Minor Errors to Avoid

Apart from them, there are a number of other rules that may sometimes slip your mind, resulting in bugs in the program. For instance:
  1. Not using the word ‘public:’ in classes may turn everything into private
  2. Forgetting to use parentheses with functions that have no parameters
  3. Not applying semicolon at the end of a class declaration
  4. Confusing Test-for-Equality (==) for equal sign (=) when you use if statement or loop

Summary
A certified C++ programming course can help you with coding and being more careful about possible errors.