How to use correctly the const qualifier?

We all use const in our code. But why? Do we use it enough or too much? Do we use it well?

This workshop will provide the answers to those questions! We'll discuss why we need to bring constness to our code and why we need more of it. We'll go into detail to see all the different contexts where const can appear. With the help of examples, we'll examine where it helps, where it's ignored and where it's even harmful!

Why using const matters and common arguments against using const?

• Should we make everything const?
• const and visual noise
• const is confusing for the developer
• It doesn’t matter anyway

const local variables

• How do they help?
• How to const-initialize from multiple options?

const member variables

• Why would you want to have const members?
• Some unexpected implications
• How (not) to use const_cast?

What is constexpr?

• constexpr variables
• constexpr functions

const functions

• Characteristics of const functions
• const overloads

const return types

• Returning const objects by value
• Returning const references
• Returning const pointers

const parameters

• const primitive data types
• const class type parameters

const and smart pointers

• What is the meaning of a const smart pointer?
• Should we pass around smart pointers by const&?

const rvalue references

• The meaning of const rvalue references
• Binding rules
• When to use them

const and templates

• How can const appear in templates?
• Meta-functions handling constness

Wrap up