C++ Programming Cookbook

C++ Programming Cookbook

Proven solutions using C++ 20 across functions, file I/O, streams, memory management, STL, concurrency, type manipulation and error debugging

Anais Sutherland

Preface

C++ Programming Cookbook stands out as a clear, concise, and powerful technical resource for programmers who want to master C++'s intricacies. C++ programmers face a wide variety of problems, and this carefully written book is a treasure trove of solutions and methods to those software development challenges. Each chapter is organized to help you get a good grasp of the language and everything it can do, from the basics of C++20 to more complex topics like sophisticated type manipulation and performance optimization.

Through a series of carefully curated recipes, readers are invited on a journey of learning and competency. Starting with the fundamentals of creating a development environment and comprehending C++ syntax, the book progresses to cover more advanced subjects like concurrency, memory management, file I/O operations, object-oriented design concepts, functional programming, and more. This book focuses on the latest C++ features and aims to get programmers to use idiomatic C++ patterns and modern best practices.

C++ Programming Cookbook goes beyond being a mere collection of recipes; it serves as a manifesto for progressive software development practices and problem-solving. Readers are empowered to adapt and apply their learnings to new, unexplored situations because each recipe not only solves specific problems but also exposes fundamental ideas and methodologies. Writing code that is clean, efficient, and easy to maintain is a priority throughout the book, which aims to help readers develop a skill set that is applicable to more general programming problems.

With the goal of helping its readers become expert C++ programmers and problem solvers, this book is a must-have for anyone seeking to sharpen their programming skills. The C++ Programming Cookbook provides the information and insights needed to confidently and creatively navigate the always changing world of C++ programming, whether you're an experienced developer aiming for greatness or a newcomer ready to learn the ropes.

In this book you will learn how to:

Make use of C++20 features to write more expressive, efficient, and modern C++ code effortlessly.

Utilize template metaprogramming for compile-time calculations, enhancing code performance.

Implement smart pointers for robust memory management without the usual complexity.

Put object-oriented programming principles into use to design scalable and maintainable C++ applications.

Explore advanced type manipulation techniques, ensuring type-safe and flexible code across applications.

Harness concurrency and multithreading to build high-performance, responsive C++ software solutions.

Optimize file I/O operations for seamless data handling in text and binary formats.

Implement custom stream buffers for tailored data processing, boosting I/O efficiency.

Navigate stream locales and facets for internationalizing your applications, reaching a global audience.

Uncover efficient error and exception handling strategies to build reliable and error-free C++ programs.

Prologue

Let me tell you what this book is all about and why you should read it. My main objective has been to simplify the complex world of C++ into an engaging and informative set of instructional recipes. Whether you're just starting out in the world of programming or are an experienced developer looking to improve your C++ skills, I hope you'll find this cookbook to be a valuable learning based on my experiences, thoughts, and challenges.

The precision and strength of the C++ language make it ideal for developing a wide range of applications, from operating systems to game engines. Its expressiveness and adaptability have been enhanced via its evolution, particularly with the introduction of C++20 and further developments into C++23. By simplifying difficult ideas into actionable solutions that address actual issues, I hope to shed light on these developments in this book. With meticulous attention to detail, every chapter covers everything from the basics of variables and control structures to the complexities of concurrency, memory management, and everything in between, all of which are crucial for modern C++ development.

The greatest way to learn, in my opinion, is by doing, so I've taken a very practical approach. In-depth examples and exercises have been provided to show you how to use C++'s features and to make you think about the why and how of specific solutions. This book explores how to think creatively, solve problems analytically, and engage in continuous development. It is not just about C++ syntax.

My early days as a computer programmer were exciting and frustrating all at the same time. When my code finally ran as expected after compilation, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. But there were also many hours spent trying to figure out what was wrong and fix it. I learned the value of sticking with anything until you get it right, as well as the significance of knowing the language's fundamentals and the reasoning behind your own code, from these experiences. I hope to impart to you, through this book, this combination of technical expertise and perseverance.

It is important that you feel free to experiment, make mistakes, and ask questions as we explore into topics like as file I/O, stream operations, and the complexity of type manipulation. There is great joy in solving difficult issues with well-written, efficient code, and C++ is a language that encourages curiosity and hard labor. In addition to teaching you the technical abilities you'll need, this book aims to encourage an adventurous and creative spirit in its audience.

As we wrap up, I hope you'll come along for the ride as we delve into the world of modern C++. It is my sincere desire that this book serves as a dependable guide that you will consult often, whether you choose to read the chapters in order or delve into particular subjects that pique your interest. Every line of code is an opportunity to learn and grow with C++; the language is more like a journey than a destination. Come along with me as we

explore the wonders of C++ programming with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge.

Copyright © 2024 by GitforGits

All rights reserved. This book is protected under copyright laws and no part of it may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission of this work may result in civil and criminal penalties and will be dealt with in the respective jurisdiction at anywhere in India, in accordance with the applicable copyright laws.

Published by: GitforGits

Publisher: Sonal Dhandre

www.gitforgits.com

[email protected]

Printed in India

First Printing: March 2024

Cover Design by: Kitten Publishing

For permission to use material from this book, please contact GitforGits at [email protected].

Content

Content

Preface

GitforGits

Acknowledgement

Chapter 1: Getting Started with C++20

Introduction

Recipe 1: Setting Up the C++20 Development Environment

Situation

Practical Solution

Download and Install Visual Studio

Configure Your Project for C++20

Verify Your Setup

Build and Run Your Project

Recipe 2: Basic Syntax and Program Structure

Situation

Practical Solution

Preprocessor Directives

main() Function

Statements and Expressions

Comments

Simple C++ Program Welcome to GitforGits!

Recipe 3: Variables, Data Types, and Type Deduction

Situation

Practical Solution

Variables and Data Types

Type Deduction with auto

Recipe 4: If-Else, Switch, and Loops

Situation

Practical Solution

If-Else Statements

Switch Statements

Loops

Recipe 5: Basics, Overloading, and Default Arguments

Situation

Practical Solution

Function Basics

Function Overloading

Default Arguments

Incorporating in Welcome to GitforGits! Program

Recipe 6: Namespaces and the Preprocessor

Situation

Practical Solution

Using Namespaces

Exploring Preprocessor Directives

Recipe 7: Exceptions and Assertions

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding and Using Exceptions

Leveraging Assertions for Debugging

Recipe 8: Basic Input and Output

Situation

Practical Solution

Standard Output with std::cout

Standard Input with std::cin

Combining Input and Output for Interactive Apps

Summary

Chapter 2: Deep Dive into Functions

Introduction

Recipe 1: Exploring Inline and Constexpr Functions

Situation

Practical Solution

Inline Functions

Constexpr Functions

Recipe 2: Using Lambda Expressions

Situation

Practical Solution

What Are Lambda Expressions?

Syntax and Functionality

Benefits for Applications

Recipe 3: Exploring Function Pointers and Functors

Situation

Practical Solution

Function Pointers

Functors (Function Objects)

Recipe 4: Templates within Functions

Situation

Practical Solution

Function Templates

Advantages of Templates

Tips for Function Templates

Recipe 5: Standard Library Functions and Algorithms

Situation

Practical Solution

Exploring Key Functions and Algorithms

Recipe 6: Custom Error Handling in Functions

Situation

Practical Solution

Defining Custom Exception Classes

Throwing Exceptions in Functions

Catching and Handling Exceptions

Recipe 7: Function Overloading and Name Mangling

Situation

Practical Solution

Function Overloading

Name Mangling

Recipe 8: Utilizing the auto Keyword within Functions

Situation

Practical Solution

Auto in Function Return Types

Auto in Lambda Expressions

Summary

Chapter 3: Object-Oriented Programming In Action

Introduction

Recipe 1: Utilize Basics of Classes and Objects

Situation

Practical Solution

Recipe 2: Apply Constructors and Destructors

Situation

Practical Solution

Default Constructor

Parameterized Constructor

Copy Constructor

Implementing a Destructor

Special Member Function Rules

Recipe 3: Perform Copy Semantics and the Rule of Three

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Copy Semantics

The Rule of Three

Rule of Three and Modern C++

Recipe 4: Perform Move Semantics and the Rule of Five

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Move Semantics

The Rule of Five

Applying Move Semantics and Rule of Five

Recipe 5: Implement Polymorphism and Dynamic Binding

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Polymorphism

Dynamic Binding with Virtual Functions

Implementing User Hierarchy

Recipe 6: Use Encapsulation and Access Modifiers

Situation

Practical Solution

Implementing Encapsulation

Understanding Access Modifiers

Recipe 7: Declare and Call Static Members and Methods

Situation

Practical Solution

Implementing Static Members

Understanding Static Members

Recipe 8: Create Friend Functions and Friend Classes

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Static Members

Implementing Friend Functions and Friend Classes

Key Takeaway

Recipe 9: Create Abstract Classes and Interfaces

Situation

Practical Solution

Defining Abstract Class

Implementing Derived Classes

Using Interfaces to Define a Contract

Key Takeaway

Summary

Chapter 4: Effective Use of Standard Template Library (STL)

Introduction

Recipe 1: Explore Containers and Iterators

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Containers

Exploring Iterators

Recipe 2: Implementing Dynamic Arrays in STL

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding vector

Key Features and Operations with vector

Recipe 3: Making Use of List and Forward_list

Situation

Practical Solution

Utilizing list

Key Operations

Exploring forward_list

Key Operations

Recipe 4: Using Associative Containers: Maps and Sets

Situation

Practical Solution

Implementing map

Leveraging set

Recipe 5: Applied Use of Stack and Queue

Situation

Practical Solution

Implementing stack for Undo Functionality

Using queue for Request Processing

Recipe 6: Perform Sort, Search, and Modify Algorithms

Situation

Practical Solution

Sorting with std::sort

Searching with std::find

Modifying with std::transform

Recipe 7: Customize Algorithms with Predicates and Lambdas

Situation

Practical Solution

Using Predicates

Leveraging Lambdas for Inline Customization

Recipe 8: Using Smart Pointers

Situation

Practical Solution

std::unique_ptr for Exclusive Ownership

std::shared_ptr for Shared Ownership

std::weak_ptr to Break Cycles

Summary

Chapter 5: Exploring Advanced C++ Functionalities

Introduction

Recipe 1: Implement Concepts and Constraints to Simplify Templates

Situation

Practical Solution

Implementing Concepts

Benefits of Using Concepts

Recipe 2: Using Modules to Organize C++ Codes

Situation

Practical Solution

Introduction to Modules

Creating a Module

Using a Module

Benefits of Modules

Recipe 3: Simplify Asynchronous Programming with Coroutines

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Coroutines

Implementing Coroutine

Benefits of Using Coroutines

Recipe 4: Managing Files and Directories

Situation

Practical Solution

Filesystem Library

Basic Operations with

Key Takeaway

Recipe 5: Utilizing Variant, Optional, and Any

Situation

Practical Solution

Using std::optional for Potentially Absent Values

Working with std::variant for Holding Multiple Types

Employing std::any for Storing Any Type

Recipe 6: Implementing Custom Allocators

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Allocators

Creating a Custom Allocator

Benefits

Recipe 7: Applying Feature Test Macros

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Feature Test Macros

Using Feature Test Macros

Benefits of Feature Test Macros

Summary

Chapter 6: Effective Error Handling and Debugging

Introduction

Recipe 1: Execute Exception Safety Technique

Situation

Practical Solution

Levels of Exception Safety

Use RAII and Smart Pointers

Transaction-Based Operations

Leverage Nothrow Operations and Checks

Key Takeaway

Recipe 2: Perform Advanced Debugging

Situation

Practical Solution

Conditional Breakpoints

Memory Check Tools

Runtime Analysis and Profiling

Logging and Tracing

Recipe 3: Implement Custom Exception Classes

Situation

Practical Solution

Designing Custom Exception Classes

Recipe 4: Validate Program Correctness with Static and Dynamic Analysis

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Static Analysis

Static Analysis with Clang-Tidy

Understanding Dynamic Analysis

Dynamic Analysis with Valgrind

Recipe 5: Leverage Assertions for Debugging

Situation

Practical Solution

Understanding Assertions

Implementing Assertions

Best Practices for Using Assertions

Recipe 6: Design Error Handling Policies for Libraries and Applications

Situation

Practical Solution

Categorize Errors

Error Handling Mechanisms

Summary

Chapter 7: Concurrency and Multithreading

Introduction

Recipe 1: Perform Basic Threading with std::thread

Situation

Practical Solution

Creating and Using Threads

Managing Thread Lifecycle

Recipe 2: Implement Synchronization Mechanisms: Mutex, Locks, and Atomics