cpp
C++ modern C++17/20/23 with STL, smart pointers, and performance optimization. Use for .cpp files.
Best use case
cpp is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
C++ modern C++17/20/23 with STL, smart pointers, and performance optimization. Use for .cpp files.
Teams using cpp should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/cpp/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How cpp Compares
| Feature / Agent | cpp | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
C++ modern C++17/20/23 with STL, smart pointers, and performance optimization. Use for .cpp files.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# C++
Modern C++ development with smart pointers, RAII, and performance optimization.
## When to Use
- Working with `.cpp` or `.hpp` files
- Systems programming and embedded
- Game development with Unreal Engine
- Performance-critical applications
## Quick Start
```cpp
#include <memory>
#include <string>
#include <vector>
class User {
public:
User(std::string name, std::string email)
: name_(std::move(name)), email_(std::move(email)) {}
const std::string& name() const { return name_; }
const std::string& email() const { return email_; }
private:
std::string name_;
std::string email_;
};
auto user = std::make_unique<User>("John", "john@example.com");
```
## Core Concepts
### Smart Pointers
```cpp
// unique_ptr - exclusive ownership
auto user = std::make_unique<User>("John");
// shared_ptr - shared ownership
auto shared = std::make_shared<Resource>();
auto copy = shared; // ref count increases
// weak_ptr - non-owning observer
std::weak_ptr<Resource> observer = shared;
if (auto locked = observer.lock()) {
// safe to use
}
// Never use raw new/delete for ownership
```
### Move Semantics
```cpp
class Buffer {
public:
Buffer(size_t size) : data_(new char[size]), size_(size) {}
// Move constructor
Buffer(Buffer&& other) noexcept
: data_(other.data_), size_(other.size_) {
other.data_ = nullptr;
other.size_ = 0;
}
// Move assignment
Buffer& operator=(Buffer&& other) noexcept {
if (this != &other) {
delete[] data_;
data_ = other.data_;
size_ = other.size_;
other.data_ = nullptr;
other.size_ = 0;
}
return *this;
}
~Buffer() { delete[] data_; }
private:
char* data_;
size_t size_;
};
```
## Common Patterns
### Modern C++ Features
```cpp
// Structured bindings (C++17)
auto [name, age] = std::make_pair("John", 25);
for (const auto& [key, value] : map) { /* ... */ }
// std::optional (C++17)
std::optional<User> findUser(int id) {
if (exists) return User{...};
return std::nullopt;
}
// Concepts (C++20)
template<typename T>
concept Numeric = std::is_arithmetic_v<T>;
template<Numeric T>
T add(T a, T b) { return a + b; }
// Ranges (C++20)
auto result = numbers
| std::views::filter([](int n) { return n % 2 == 0; })
| std::views::transform([](int n) { return n * 2; });
```
### RAII Pattern
```cpp
class FileHandle {
public:
explicit FileHandle(const char* path)
: file_(std::fopen(path, "r")) {
if (!file_) throw std::runtime_error("Cannot open file");
}
~FileHandle() { if (file_) std::fclose(file_); }
// Delete copy
FileHandle(const FileHandle&) = delete;
FileHandle& operator=(const FileHandle&) = delete;
// Allow move
FileHandle(FileHandle&& other) noexcept : file_(other.file_) {
other.file_ = nullptr;
}
private:
FILE* file_;
};
```
## Best Practices
**Do**:
- Use smart pointers for ownership
- Apply RAII for resource management
- Use `const` and `constexpr` liberally
- Prefer `std::string_view` for read-only strings
**Don't**:
- Use raw `new`/`delete` for ownership
- Return raw pointers from functions
- Use C-style casts (use `static_cast`)
- Ignore compiler warnings
## Troubleshooting
| Error | Cause | Solution |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Segmentation fault | Null pointer or buffer overflow | Use sanitizers, smart pointers |
| Memory leak | Missing delete | Use RAII, smart pointers |
| Undefined behavior | Dangling reference | Ensure lifetime validity |
## References
- [C++ Reference](https://en.cppreference.com/)
- [ISO C++ Guidelines](https://isocpp.github.io/CppCoreGuidelines/)Related Skills
template
Expert [skill-name] assistance covering [feature 1], [feature 2], and [feature 3]. Use when [working with X], [debugging Y], or [implementing Z].
zsh
Zsh shell with oh-my-zsh. Use for terminal shell.
zed
Zed high-performance collaborative editor. Use for fast editing.
xcode
Xcode Apple development IDE with simulators. Use for iOS/macOS development.
webstorm
WebStorm JavaScript IDE with debugging. Use for web development.
webpack
Webpack module bundler with loaders and plugins. Use for bundling.
warp
Warp modern terminal with AI. Use for terminal work.
vscode
Visual Studio Code editor with extensions and debugging. Use for code editing.
vite
Vite fast build tool with HMR. Use for modern frontend builds.
visual-studio
Visual Studio IDE for Windows with debugging and profiling. Use for .NET development.
vim
Vim text editor with motions, macros, and plugins. Use for terminal editing.
turbopack
Turbopack Rust-powered bundler. Use for fast builds.