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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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
We may often hear that `const` and its excessive use confuses developers.

Let’s think about this from a different perspective..

First, let’s focus on  where `const` is used. 

It is important to keep in mind that:

* `const` does not introduce an overly complex structure that is often referred to as smart code.

* `const` reveals the intentions of the developers both to the reader and to the compiler.


# Relevant choices when using `const`

When we decide to use `const` in our code wherever it makes sense, we must make a choice:

* Will we use `const` only in the code we write?
* Will we go in and update all the existing codebase?

In most corporate circumstances, the second option is not viable. We can only focus on the code we add and edit. Updating the codebase also means that it will lose its consistency in using `const`.

The lack of `const` or any similar keyword can be because of the following reasons:

* The author of the code omitted it on purpose.
* The author did not use it because they are not used to `const`.  

We can infer the reason behind their choice from the surrounding code. . If `const` is widely used, we can assume that it was omitted on purpose. On the other hand, if it barely appears in our code, its lack has no purpose.

When we start using it in an existing codebase where it was not used before, we lose the ability to infer the intention behind its lack.


Let’s learn how const can be confusing for developers.


How const may Confuse Developers

Let’s learn how const can be confusing for developers.

Introduction

Arguments using const

Local Variables

Local Members

Functions

Return Types

const Parameters

const and Smart Pointers

Rvalue References

Summary

How const may Confuse Developers

Description