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All Coder Things

C++

Core language, memory management, STL, and modern C++ (11/17/20); write fast, safe, and readable code.

What is C++?

C++ is a compiled language for high-performance, system-level development. With RAII, templates, and modern standards (C++11/14/17/20/23) it supports both OOP and generic programming.

It’s preferred in game engines, embedded systems, finance, and HPC. The STL (algorithms, containers) and smart pointers provide memory safety and performance together.

TL;DR

Modern C++: auto, move semantics, constexpr, ranges.
Build & packaging: CMake, dependencies with vcpkg/Conan.
Quality: sanitizers, static analysis, and unit tests.

Fundamentals

Introductory topics for starting with C++, including basic syntax, variables, operators, loops, and functions.

What is C++? First Steps in Programming

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn the basics of C++ programming, its core concepts, common use cases, and how to write your first programs.

C++ C++ Basics

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Setting up C++ Compiler & IDE (Visual Studio, GCC, Clang)

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn how to set up a C++ development environment using Visual Studio, GCC, and Clang compilers with step-by-step guidance.

C++ Visual Studio

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First C++ Program: How “Hello World” Works

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Write your first C++ program and learn how “Hello World” works, including compilation, execution, and basic program flow.

C++ C++ Basics

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Variables, Data Types, and auto in C++

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn variables, data types, and the auto keyword in C++ with practical examples of type deduction and memory usage.

C++ C++ Basics Data Types Variables

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Operators in C++: Arithmetic, Comparison, Logical

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators in C++ to perform calculations and control program flow effectively.

C++ C++ Basics Operators

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Conditional Statements in C++: if, else if, switch

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn conditional statements in C++ using if, else if, and switch to control decision-making and program flow.

C++ if Statement

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Loops in C++: for, while, do-while

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn loops in C++ using for, while, and do-while statements to repeat tasks and control program execution efficiently.

C++ for Loop while Loop

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Introduction to Functions in C++: Define, Call, Parameters

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn functions in C++, including defining, calling, and using parameters to build modular and reusable programs.

C++ C++ Basics

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Scope and Lifetime in C++

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn scope and lifetime in C++ to understand variable visibility, object lifetime, and memory management concepts.

C++ Lifetime Scope

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String Handling in C++: C-Style and std::string

28 May 2026 • Fundamentals

Learn string handling in C++ using C-style strings and std::string for text processing, concatenation, and manipulation.

C++ String Operations

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Memory and Pointers

Articles covering pointers, references, dynamic memory management, and addressing in C++.

Addresses and Memory Basics in C++

25 June 2026 • Memory and Pointers

Learn the basics of addresses and memory in C++, including memory layout, variable addresses, and how data is stored.

C++ Memory

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References vs Pointers in C++

25 June 2026 • Memory and Pointers

Learn the differences between references and pointers in C++, including use cases, advantages, and memory management.

C++ Pointer

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Passing Parameters to Functions via Pointers in C++

25 June 2026 • Memory and Pointers

Learn how to pass parameters to functions via pointers in C++, including address passing, memory access, and practical examples.

C++ Functions Pointer

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Relationship Between Arrays and Pointers in C++

25 June 2026 • Memory and Pointers

Learn the relationship between arrays and pointers in C++, including memory layout, pointer arithmetic, and array access.

Arrays C++ Pointer

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Dynamic Memory Management in C++: new and delete

25 June 2026 • Memory and Pointers

Learn dynamic memory management in C++ using new and delete to allocate, release, and manage memory safely.

C++ C++ Memory Management new Operator

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Memory Leaks and Analysis with Valgrind in C++

25 June 2026 • Memory and Pointers

Learn how to detect memory leaks in C++ and analyze applications with Valgrind to improve stability and memory usage.

C++ Memory Leaks

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Multidimensional Arrays and Pointer Usage in C++

25 June 2026 • Memory and Pointers

Learn multidimensional arrays and pointer usage in C++, including memory layout, indexing, and pointer arithmetic with examples.

Arrays C++ Pointer

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Introduction to Smart Pointers in C++

25 June 2026 • Memory and Pointers

Learn smart pointers in C++, including unique_ptr, shared_ptr, and weak_ptr for safe memory management and modern C++ development.

C++ Smart Pointers

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In C++, avoid using magic numbers. Defining meaningful constants makes the code easier to understand and maintain.


// magic number
if (retryCount > 3)
{
    stop();
}

// better
const int maxRetries = 3;
if (retryCount > maxRetries)
{
    stop();
}

In C++, always add simple error checks before using values. Early checks prevent crashes and make bugs easier to find.


// risky: no check
int result = divide(a, b);

// safer: basic check
if (b == 0)
{
    return;
}

int result = divide(a, b);

In C++, prefer using vector.empty() to check if a container has elements. It is clearer and directly expresses intent compared to size() == 0.


std::vector<int> numbers;

// less clear
if (numbers.size() == 0)
{
    // empty
}

// clearer and recommended
if (numbers.empty())
{
    // empty
}

In C++, prefer using nullptr instead of NULL. nullptr is type-safe and avoids ambiguous comparisons.


int* ptr = nullptr;

if (ptr == nullptr)
{
    // safe null check
}

In C++, functions that return bool should be named like questions. This makes conditions easier to read and understand.


// unclear
bool checkUser();

// clearer
bool isUserValid();
bool hasAccess();
bool isReady();

In C++, defining variables inside a loop limits their scope and makes the code easier to understand and maintain.


// defined outside the loop
int value;
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++)
{
    value = i * 2;
    std::cout << value << std::endl;
}

// better: define inside the loop
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++)
{
    int value = i * 2;
    std::cout << value << std::endl;
}

In C++, using auto improves readability when the type is obvious or very long. It helps focus on what the code does instead of how the type is written.


std::map<int, std::string> users;

// long and noisy
std::map<int, std::string>::iterator it = users.begin();

// clearer
auto it = users.begin();

In C++, moving constant values outside of loops improves readability and avoids repeating the same value inside the loop.


// less clear
for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++)
{
    process(i);
}

// clearer
const int limit = 10;
for (int i = 0; i < limit; i++)
{
    process(i);
}

In C++, avoid writing unnecessary return true or return false. You can usually return the condition directly to make the code shorter and clearer.


// unnecessary
bool isPositive(int value)
{
    if (value > 0)
        return true;
    else
        return false;
}

// cleaner
bool isPositive(int value)
{
    return value > 0;
}

In C++, functions should do only one thing. Single-purpose functions are easier to read, test, and maintain.


// does too many things
void processUser(User user)
{
    validate(user);
    saveToDatabase(user);
    sendEmail(user);
}

// better: single responsibility
void validateUser(User user);
void saveUser(User user);
void sendWelcomeEmail(User user);