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.

How to use const in C++ by Sándor Dargo_468 x 60 copy.png

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.

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

# Description
If we convert all unchanging variables to `const` variables, we will pollute the code. Not only will our code be less readable, we will also need to type more. 

This is a common argument. To be fair, this argument is right to a certain extent. 


 ```
auto numberOfDoors{2u};
```

is indeed shorter than

```
const auto numberOfDoors{2u};
```

However, typing `const` or typing almost anything is not a major issue.  Creating a meaningful application does not depend on our typing speed.

Can we consider `const` as visual noise?

Of course we can! But it is not actually visual noise..

# Examples of visual noise
Let’s see some examples of visual noise.
## Comments
Imagine these lines of code:
```
struct Car {
  // ...
 int m_horsePower; // Performance in horse power
 };
```
or
```
/*
* Gets the performance in horsepower
*/
std::string getHorsepower() {
  // ...
}
```
Comments that are similar to those above are definitely visual noise.. They don’t give any new information. They represent the original sin of comments; they merely repeat what the code does instead of explaining the intention behind the code. 

Learn how const brings tons of visual noise.

Introduction

Arguments using const

Local Variables

Local Members

Functions

Return Types

const Parameters

const and Smart Pointers

Rvalue References

Summary

const and Visual Noise

Description