First two days: Writing Correct, Conforming and Performant Code

Abstract

Correct, conformant code is code that performs better, is more optimizable and more testable. Unfortunately, not all code can be executed at compile-time, so we want to write the best possible code we can that runs at run-time. By following best practices and writing idiomatic code, you write programs that the compiler knows how to optimize. You also create a codebase that is easier to maintain, costs less to write, and can be more easily analyzed by static analysis tools and is less error-prone.

During the class, we deeply examine something that C++ has that very few other languages have: a well-defined object life cycle. Understanding this key aspect of C++ is critical to writing clean, maintainable, and efficient C++.

Don’t deal with run-time errors, logic errors, and leave performance on the floor with common mistakes that are easily avoided with a deeper understanding of the language.

Goals
Students will:

Outline
Please note: This outline is subject to change.

Prerequisites
I expect you are comfortable with C++ syntax, have used C++, and desire a better intuition for how to write good code.

Format
My classes are highly interactive and have small group exercises, where students share their laptops (1 laptop per 4 students) and discuss the exercise. Come expecting to interact with your fellow students and me. Come also with questions you would like answered.

Following two days: The Fastest Run-time is Compile Time: Taking Advantage of `constexpr` and Templates

Abstract

Doing more work at compile-time means doing less work at run-time. Less work at run-time leads to faster executables. There are limits, however. Unfortunately, we cannot usually move the entire project to compile-time, as most useful programs rely on some user-provided input. In this class, you learn how to identify code that can be moved to compile-time, the limits of compile-time programming, and how to bridge the compile-time and run-time world.

Compile-time programming is more than templates and more than constexpr. With modern techniques, it is the intersection of these features.

If performance is your concern, and it probably is if you program in C++, you want to do as little work at run-time as possible. Come learn the techniques that make that possible.

Goals

Students will:

Outline
Please note: This outline is subject to change.

Introduction

Preparing for constexpr

Using constexpr

Prerequisites
I expect you are actively programming in C++ today and are familiar with template syntax and how templates are used.

Format
My classes are highly interactive and have small group exercises, where students share their laptops (1 laptop per 4 students) and discuss the exercise. Come expecting to interact with your fellow students and me. Come also with questions you would like answered.