Advanced C++ Idioms

Bycoliveira

C++ is a multi-paradigm programming language. This means that there is no single style that is always the right one to use on C++ programs. It all depends on the task at hand. For example, it is completely fine to use C++ only as a structured language, since it has all elements of C and a few more that make structured programming even easier in C++.

The main style of use of the C++ programming language is the classic object oriented style, since it is a style that is easier to reconcile with business practices that have been developed in the previous years.

However, not every project can be done with class object oriented methods. Sometimes it is more productive to use ideas developed in other programming traditions, such as symbolic, functional, and dynamic programming. C++ can also do this, but it needs a little additional thought from the part of the program designer.

The book Advanced C++ Programming Styles and Idioms discusses several idioms that can be successfully used with the C++ programming language.

Many of these idioms are not mainstream, and some of them may not be even acceptable in your organization. Despite this, these idioms could just as well  be the tool of choice for specific problem domains.

Dynamic Features in C++
Among these idioms, are techniques that have been used for a long time in dynamic languages such as Smalltalk and Lisp, such as dynamic dispatching, symbolic computing, and related techniques.

The author, James Coplien, describes how to implement object orientation based on exemplar objects, instead of class based objects. In examplar-based programming, one uses objects as the foundation for creating objects, instead of using classes — as is the normal practice in C++. One of the keys for doing this is to use factory methods to create new objects, instead of using the new keyword, which by definition requires knowledge about the specific class of the created object.

Another strategy is to use Envelope objects, which provide some of the functionality of symbols in a language such as Lisp. Using Envelope objects, one can have automatic memory management through reference counting, and a clean separation between a value and the label that contains it.

Coplien describes how to create more dynamic objects by avoid the classic hierarchy-based approach for classes. He proposes two main solutions for this problem: in the first solution, one creates a shallow hierarchy, where each class has all possible methods that could be implemented by subclasses. In this approach, each object is always crated using the interface of the parent class, and implements only the methods that are of their interest. Subclasses rely on polymorphism to receive the correct messages, and send an error whenever they don’t respond to a particular message.

This technique has the great advantage that clients don’t need to know exactly what class is being called. Also, since the differences between objects is now based only on what methods they respond to, the system is now based on generic methods, rather than on specific classes. Any class can override any method of the top class, which makes it easy to supply dynamic behavior.

The drawback of the previous approach however is that, unless we known all methods that are of interest, the system is subject to recompilation whenever a new method is added to the parent class. To avoid this problem, one can go one step further and create a dynamic dispatch system. In such a system, there is just one method to which an operation descriptor is passed, followed by a number of parameters. In this way, easy concrete subclass can add as many operations as necessary, without any change to the parent class. While such a system may not perform as quickly as a statically defined dispatch method, it is much more flexible, and allows the system to evolve without recompilation.

Finally, the books discuss how to load code dynamically, and therefore avoid linking. The approach works on most systems, however it is machine and compiler-dependent, so it should be used with care when portability is of importance for the system.

Further Reading

Check Advanced C++ Programming Styles and Idioms at Amazon.

Similar Posts:

Similar Posts

Sample Code on Programming Books Considered Harmful

Bycoliveira

I am an avid reader of programming books. I think it is important to benefit from the experience of other fellow programmers, and one way of doing this, other than reading other people’s software, is reading books that collect some kind of development experience. Although it is interesting to read about programming, there is a…

204 Comments

  3. Thus, thus far we now have seen that the final functioning and well being of a country’s financial system affect the bank curiosity charges provided on deposits.

  6. If you discover some form of mistake or simply something that you prefer to to change, the correction system will permit you to just do that, with one line of correction reminiscence.

  16. For instance,? this bath is clearly massive, however even a small house will look larger if you retain the vanity, walls, and flooring in the identical light tones and clean textures.

  17. Hello there I am so grateful I found your site, I really
    found you by error, while I was searching on Bing for
    something else, Nonetheless I am here now and
    would just like to say kudos for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love
    the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at
    the minute but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have
    time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.

  21. Cloak of Deception describes the political background surrounding the Republic within the time interval before The Phantom Menace, as well as Darth Sidious’ plans to rule the galaxy, beginning with the blockade of Naboo.

  25. These substances, traditionally associated with recreational use, are now being investigated for their therapeutic effects and show promise in addressing treatment-resistant conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  26. These laptops aren’t highly effective enough for some customers, and get rid of a disc drive others find important, but they exhibit a development towards lightweight notebooks which might be extraordinarily portable.

  36. This skill allows our customers to boost income and create Professional Financial Market investors in Indian like most of the designed financial systems in the world and offer value undertaking to them.

  37. Trade tips, share these tips from technology able to find help and played with the stock options, stock brokerage business phone, pretty, stock quotes, stock trading tips, research and Commodity Tips, World Wide Web, a small beautiful food are keep the floor, if you know, cash, investments in Indian stock market to start trading futures and options trading can learn the difference.

  40. Bermuda grass Commonly known as Bahama weed or Indian doab, the Bermuda grass is of the cynodon genus that belongs to the dactylon specie. It originally came from the savannas of Africa that thrives in open areas w [read more..]

  43. They even prefer e-mail for inner communications (which suggests employees sitting only a cubicle-length apart are writing to, reasonably than speaking to one another).

  49. 573574 581954My California Weight Loss diet invariably is an cost effective and versatile staying on your diet tv show created for folks who find themselves preparing to drop extra pounds and furthermore ultimately keep a much healthier habits. la weight loss 430464

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.