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Secure Coding Practices in C++: A Deep Dive into const

Gain insights into the C++ keyword 'const,' its usage in various contexts, and implications when returning pointers and references. Learn about preventing accidental data changes.

Beginner

49 Lessons

Certificate of Completion

Gain insights into the C++ keyword 'const,' its usage in various contexts, and implications when returning pointers and references. Learn about preventing accidental data changes.

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This course includes

38 Playgrounds

8 Quizzes

Course Overview

What You'll Learn

Course Content

Course Overview

In this course, you will learn about the C++ keyword const and its behaviour under different usage conditions, including local, global and static contexts. This course will help you to understand const and its implications when you attempt to return pointers and references in C++. By the end of the course, you will have a solid grip on const and its usage in preventing any accidental change of data.

What You'll Learn

Use of const with variables

Effect of const on functions and return types

Const with parameters

Relation between const and smart pointers

Use of const with variables

Course Content

Introduction

1 Lessons

Get familiar with using the const keyword in C++ to improve code quality and performance.

A Bit about const

Arguments using const

6 Lessons

Get started with using const in arguments to enhance clarity, performance, and code robustness.

Arguments Against const

const and Visual Noise

How const may Confuse Developers

Why does const matter?

Key Takeaways

Quiz

Local Variables

3 Lessons

Work your way through const local variables to enhance immutability and code clarity.

const Local Variables

Key Takeaways

Quiz

Local Members

8 Lessons

Break down complex ideas about using `const` with member variables in C++ classes.

const with Member Variables

Unexpected Implications

Functions

6 Lessons

Take a closer look at const functions, overloads, key takeaways, and practical exercises for secure coding in C++.

Return Types

7 Lessons

Follow the process of managing const return types to avoid performance and safety issues.

const Return Types

Returning const References

Return const Pointers

int * const func() const

const int * func() const

Key Takeaways

Quiz

const Parameters

6 Lessons

Maximize code clarity and safety with const in function parameters, avoiding unintentional modifications in C++.

const Primitive Data Type

const Class Type Parameters

const and Smart Pointers

4 Lessons

Get familiar with using `const` with smart pointers to enhance C++ coding practices.

Smart Pointers as Pointers

Smart Pointers as Objects

Key Takeaways

Quiz

Rvalue References

7 Lessons

Discover the logic behind const rvalue references, key binding rules, and their practical usages.

const Rvalue References

Binding Rules

Use of const Rvalue References

10.

Summary

1 Lessons

Break apart the best practices for using `const` in C++ for safe, optimized code.

Summary

Course Author

Sandor Dargo

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