Readings: More effective C++

Basics

Item 1: Distinguish between pointers and references

References do not allow null

• References must always be initialised
• If initializing a reference with nullptr (UB)
• We should always use references if we know that it will always refer to something

When to use pointers: when it can refer to nothing

Good standard: always return reference for operator[]

Item 2: Prefer C++ - style casts

Downfalls of C style cast:

• does not show the intent of the cast

• can perform any kind of cast (cast always const or cast to base)

• const_cast: only cast away constness and volatileness
• static_cast: like a c sytle cast but without casting away the constness
• dynamic_cast: cast down or across an inheritance (ie between uncles)
  • only allowed for structs (cannot use on primitive types)
• reinterpret_cast: type conversion between well defined type