Tips for C++ newbies (compiler code review)

Write better C++ with these quick tips and tricks. Let's improve the lexer in a compiler to make it shorter and less ugly.
Chat with me live for free code reviews, lessons, and career advice: / strager
0:00 shorter tests with const
1:13 don't cast enums
1:54 what is lexing?
2:53 string_to_double
3:44 last_char vs *iterator
4:11 copying identifiers
4:26 parsing comments
5:01 switch
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[@ltstaffel5323]

This video got you a subscriber! Code reviews are my favorite way of learning from more experienced programmers on YT

[@strager_]

I'll publish more code reviews. Thanks for the feedback!

[@joseph5413]

Hey bro, I wanted to ask you a question, for me to improve my programming logic I have to be programming in C++ or can I improve in any programming language?, I know how to program, but my logic to solve problems is horrible.

[@strager_]

Write more programs which do interesting things. I recommend avoiding code puzzles, especially sites like LeetCode. It doesn't matter if those programs are in C++ or in another language; your problem-solving skills will improve if you code in any language.

[@joseph5413]

@@strager_ thanks for the tips, I will focus on java .

[@leonardodavinci4259]

@@strager_ Why do you recommend avoiding code puzzle sites like LeetCode?

[@thefireagen]

Following you on twitch.. to realise how pathetically I write c++😢

[@nrwchd]

with if you could do if c > ('A' -1) && c < ('Z' + 1) and so on

[@strager_]

Yes, you can do that. But then the other code which matches symbols, strings, etc. is uglier. I don't know if compilers are smart enough to use a jump table if you write 'if ('A'

[@nrwchd]

it would be nicer and readable in the eye actually bool IsLowerCase(c) bool IsUpperCase(c) bool IsSymbols(c) = IsLowerCase(c) or IsUpperCase(c) or c == '_' bool IsIntegral(c) bool IsFloatingPoint(c) = IsIntegral(c) or c == '.' so on

[@yes-ni1od]

Lol why do people have no idea what they're doing think making a lexer is a good idea

[@strager_]

Because that's how lexers are made. Are there any lexers made by people who know what they're doing? I'm not aware of any.

[@psynetFM]

Programming is fun! Also, how else do you think you can learn if you don’t try?

[@yes-ni1od]

@@psynetFM I agree, but I would've thought making a lexer is one of the most boring things imaginable. I guess boring is subjective.

[@jordixboy]

Isnt that how you learn lol?