# Cpp

> Modern C++ best practices with C++17/20 features. Trigger: When writing C++ code with modern standards.

- Skill: `odjaramillo/cpp` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add odjaramillo/cpp`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/odjaramillo/cpp/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- License: Apache-2.0
- Author: odjaramillo (https://skillmd.com/u/odjaramillo)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/odjaramillo/cpp

---


## Critical Patterns

### Smart Pointers (REQUIRED)

```cpp
// ✅ ALWAYS: Use smart pointers
auto user = std::make_unique<User>("John");
auto shared = std::make_shared<Config>();

// ❌ NEVER: Raw new/delete
User* user = new User("John");
delete user;
```

### RAII (REQUIRED)

```cpp
// ✅ ALWAYS: Resource management through constructors/destructors
class FileHandle {
    std::fstream file_;
public:
    FileHandle(const std::string& path) : file_(path) {}
    ~FileHandle() { if (file_.is_open()) file_.close(); }
};
```

### Modern Patterns (REQUIRED)

```cpp
// ✅ Use auto for type deduction
auto items = std::vector<int>{1, 2, 3};

// ✅ Use range-based for loops
for (const auto& item : items) {
    process(item);
}

// ✅ Use structured bindings
auto [name, age] = getPerson();
```

---

## Decision Tree

```
Need unique ownership?     → std::unique_ptr
Need shared ownership?     → std::shared_ptr
Need optional value?       → std::optional
Need multiple types?       → std::variant
Need string views?         → std::string_view
```

---

## Commands

```bash
g++ -std=c++20 -Wall -Wextra main.cpp -o app
clang++ -std=c++20 main.cpp -o app
cmake -B build && cmake --build build
```