What's on your C++ cheatsheet?

Question

Every so often, I'll have to switch between languages for the majority of the code I write (whether for work or for play). I find that C++ is one of those languages that requires a lot of mental cache space, so if I take a long break from it, then I forget a lot of the details. Even things like adding items to an STL container or using the static storage keyword in various contexts get all jumbled up ("is it add, append, push...oh, it's push_back").

So what essential tidbits do you like to have loaded into your brain when you're writing C++?

Edit: I should say, I'd like to be able to bookmark this page and use it as my cheatsheet :)

Answer 1

I keep a PDF of the C++ standard open. It's good for quickly looking up all the library interfaces (particularly the container interfaces and iostream stuff). It's also useful for quickly resolving co-workers' arguments about C++ syntax and semantics.

I haven't yet figured out how to load the PDF into my brain.

Answer 2

Actually, the thing that gets me the most switching between C# & C++ is constructor syntax. (I keep wanting to use "new" for everything).

Answer 3

Template specialization. I always need to look it up.

Answer 4

Since I work in C++ all the time I keep most of the syntax in my head. For library reference I use sgi and Josuttis' book. When I haven't done C++ for a while and really want a refresher I go back to Effective C++.

When I need to ansewer a deeper question I'll refer to the standard or Stroustrup's book.

When all else fails, google and stackoverflow are great tools.

Answer 5

Implementing a Callback to a non-static C++ Member Function

Every time I have to do this I need to look this one up. Really anything that deals with function pointer details always tends to tweak my brain. I've found the Function Pointer Tutorials to be a fairly good reference.

Answer 6

I use the site cplucplus.com. It is a great reference for C and C++ programming.

Answer 7

On my C Cheatsheet (and on the C++ one by extension), pointer to function syntax.

Answer 8

Not really on a cheat sheet, and not really specific to C++, but I have "Flush the buffer!" on a sticky note to remind me of what's probably wrong when I'm not receiving data.

Answer 9

I have a little copy of the operator precedence chart tacked to my cube wall.

Answer 10

When I switch back from Java to C++, I like to review items from C++ Coding Standards by Herb Sutter and Andrei Alexandrescu.

Scott Meyers' Effective C++ series are great for this too.

Here are quick basic stuffs that work for me:

• Use std::swap()
• "When in doubt, do as the ints do." (Scott Meyers)
• const * means constant data, * const means constant pointer.
• Declare an assignment operator and a copy constructor in classes with dynamically assigned data.
• C++ will write an assignment operator & copy constructor for you if you don't declare one yourself. Except if you declare them (private, most likely) and omit to define them.
• Have operator=() return a reference to *this
• Call Base(rhs) in Derived's copy constructor's init list.
• Call Base::operator=(rhs); in Derived's operator=()
• Check for assignment to self in operator=()
• Don't implement operator=() by calling the copy constructor (Herb Sutter, Write what you Know, and Know what you Write)
• Remember RAII
• catch exceptions by reference

Answer 11

Dinkumware Compleat Reference for STL and other standard <include>s.

Answer 12

On my cheatsheet: interactions between const and pointers:

int       *       p;  // pointer
int const *       p;  // pointer to const value
int       * const p;  // const pointer
int const * const p;  // const pointer to const value

Essentially, split the declaration on the * symbol and if the const falls to the left, the pointed-to value is const, and if it falls to the right, the pointer itself is const.

Answer 13

I keep this whole site handy for cheatsheets in general:

http://www.cheat-sheets.org/#CPP

The cpp cheatsheet is a bit basic, but the STL is useful.

Answer 14

Scott Meyer's TR1 summary page, http://www.aristeia.com/EC3E/TR1_info.html

Answer 15

For those who want a quick reference and recap , here are C++ Cheat Sheet

C++ cheat sheet - part 1
C++ cheat sheet - part 2