Prefer const and inline to #define
Prefer
Prefer new and delete to malloc and free.
Prefer C++ style comments.
Memory Management:
Use the same form in corresponding uses of new and delete.
Use delete on pointer members on destructions.
Be prepared for Out Of Memory conditions.
Adhere to convention when writing operator new and operator delete.
Avoid hiding the “normal” form of new.
Write operator delete if you write operator new.
Constructors, Destructors, and Assignment Operators:
Declare a Copy Constructor and an assignment operator for classes with dynamically allocated memory.
Prefer initialization to assignment in constructors.
List members in an initialization list in the order in which they are declared.
Make Destructors virtual in Base classes.
Have operator = return a reference to *this.
Assign to all data members in Operator=.
Check for assignment to self in operator= .
Classes and Functions - Design and Declaration:
Strive for class interfaces that are complete and minimal
Differentiate among member functions,non-member functions and
friend functions.
Avoid data members in public interface.
Use const whenever possible.
Prefer pass-by-reference to pass-by-value.
Don’t try to return a reference when you must return on object.
Choose carefully between function overloading and parameter defaulting.
Avoid overloading on a pointer and a numerical type.
Guard against potential ambiguity.
Explicitly disallow use of implicitly generated member functions you don’t want.
Partition the global namespace.
Classes and Functions - Implementations:
Avoid returning “handles” to internal data.
Avoid member functions that return non-const pointers or references to members less accessible than themselves.
Never return a reference to a local object or to a dereferenced pointer initialized by new within function.
Postpone variables definitions as long as possible.
Use inlining judiciously.
Minimize compilation dependencies between files.
Inheritance and Object-Oriented Design:
Make sure public inheritance model “isa”
Differentiate between inheritance of interface and inheritance of implementation.
Never redefine an inherited nonvirtual function.
Never redefine an default parameter value
Avoid casts down the inheritance hierarchy.
Model “has -a” or “is-implemented-in-terms-of” through layering.
Differentiate between inheritance and templates.
Use private inheritance judiciously.
Use multiple inheritance judiciously.
Say what you mean:underastand ehat you’re saying.
Miscellaneous:
Know what functions C++ silently writes and calls.
Prefer compile-time and link-time errors to runtime errors
Ensure that non local static objects are initialized before they are used.
Pay attention to compiler warnings.
Familiarize yourself with standard library.
Improve your understanding of C++.
ref:
Effective C++ by Scott Meyers