It is a disastrous fact that most programmers tend to spend more time searching on how to remove bugs than they will actually spend in coding their C++ programs. Nevertheless, to help you minimize the numbers of errors in your program, listed below are some useful tips on how to avoid bugs in C++.
5 Tips on How to Avoid Bugs in C++
Enable All Error and Warning Messages
The syntax of C++ lets for a lot of error-checking. Once the compiler come across a particular construct that it just cannot decode, it has no option but to show a message. Actually, it attempts to sync back up by means of the source code, however, it won’t create an executable. As a result, the programmer is forced to fix all error messages.
On the other hand, when C++ encounters a structure that it can figure out but there is something wrong with the structure, undeniably, C++will make a warning message. Since C++ understands what a programmer actually wants, it goes ahead and makes executable files thus you can disregard the warning messages if you want. As a matter of fact, if you do not want to be disturbed, you are free to disable warnings, but it isn’t a good idea at all.
Adopt A Consistent and Clear Coding Style
Writing a C++ program in a consistent and clear style will not only improve the readability of your programs, but it also results in less coding mistakes. In fact, when you read a code that’s neat and clean and which follows a style you are familiar with, you will only spend a fewer brain power in parsing the syntax of the C++ statements.
Moreover, you have to set a standard format for your module headers which offer information regarding the classes or functions in every module, the version, the date, and the author. Either way, you can read tech books online for more information.
Utilize Exceptions to Handle Errors
In C++ the exception mechanism is specifically created to handle errors efficiently as well as conveniently. As a general rule, you must throw an error indicator instead of returning an error flag. Even so, the resulting code is much easier to maintain, write, and read.
Comment on Codes While You Are Writing Them
Without a doubt, if you comment your codes while you’re writing them you can avoid errors. Actually, it is more efficient instead of waiting until’ the whole thing works and then go back to add comments.
Dodge Multiple Inheritance
Multiple inheritance such as operator overloading can add another level of difficulty which you do not need to deal with especially when you are just starting out. Luckily, the majority of real-life relationships can be described using a single inheritance.
Conclusion:
C++ is a prevailing programming language which is most programmers tend to use it in writing their programs. Nevertheless, we hope that this content will help you a lot in coding bug-free C++ programs.
