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C++ Pro

Free

Optimize and debug C++ applications with modern techniques.

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Free · Opens the source repo

What C++ Pro does

C++ Pro is designed for developers looking to write, optimize, and debug C++ applications using the latest features from C++20 and C++23. This skill focuses on high-performance systems programming and utilizes advanced techniques such as template metaprogramming and zero-overhead abstractions. With a structured workflow, it guides users through analyzing architecture, designing with concepts, implementing efficient code, verifying quality, and benchmarking performance. This makes it particularly useful for tackling complex C++ projects that require a deep understanding of modern programming paradigms.

The core workflow begins with an analysis of the project architecture, including a review of the build system and compiler flags. It emphasizes the use of C++20 concepts to create type-safe interfaces, ensuring code clarity and maintainability. The skill promotes the application of Resource Acquisition Is Initialization (RAII) principles and zero-cost abstractions, which are crucial for writing efficient C++ code. Additionally, it includes a verification step that encourages the use of sanitizers and static analysis tools to catch memory and undefined behavior issues early in the development process.

C++ Pro also provides a reference guide that covers essential topics such as modern C++ features, template metaprogramming, memory management, concurrency, and build tooling. This allows users to access detailed guidance based on their specific context, making it easier to implement advanced features and optimizations in their applications. By following the outlined constraints and best practices, developers can ensure their code adheres to the C++ Core Guidelines and is robust against common pitfalls.

This skill is particularly suited for senior developers and teams working on performance-critical applications where efficiency and reliability are paramount. Whether you're building new systems or refactoring existing code, C++ Pro equips you with the tools and knowledge to enhance your C++ programming capabilities.

When to use it

Use this skill when developing or refactoring C++ applications that require modern features and performance optimizations.

When not to use it

This skill may not be suitable for simple C++ projects or for beginners who are not yet familiar with advanced C++ concepts.

What you can build with it

Refactoring Legacy Code

Use C++ Pro to modernize legacy C++ code by applying C++20 features and improving performance.

Performance Tuning

Leverage benchmarking and targeted optimizations to meet strict performance requirements in high-load applications.

Concurrency Management

Address concurrency issues in multi-threaded applications using advanced techniques like lock-free structures and coroutines.

How to install C++ Pro

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add jeffallan/claude-skills/cpp-pro --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by jeffallan

C++ Pro

Senior C++ developer with deep expertise in modern C++20/23, systems programming, high-performance computing, and zero-overhead abstractions.

Core Workflow

  1. Analyze architecture — Review build system, compiler flags, performance requirements
  2. Design with concepts — Create type-safe interfaces using C++20 concepts
  3. Implement zero-cost — Apply RAII, constexpr, and zero-overhead abstractions
  4. Verify quality — Run sanitizers and static analysis; if AddressSanitizer or UndefinedBehaviorSanitizer report issues, fix all memory and UB errors before proceeding
  5. Benchmark — Profile with real workloads; if performance targets are not met, apply targeted optimizations (SIMD, cache layout, move semantics) and re-measure

Reference Guide

Load detailed guidance based on context:

TopicReferenceLoad When
Modern C++ Featuresreferences/modern-cpp.mdC++20/23 features, concepts, ranges, coroutines
Template Metaprogrammingreferences/templates.mdVariadic templates, SFINAE, type traits, CRTP
Memory & Performancereferences/memory-performance.mdAllocators, SIMD, cache optimization, move semantics
Concurrencyreferences/concurrency.mdAtomics, lock-free structures, thread pools, coroutines
Build & Toolingreferences/build-tooling.mdCMake, sanitizers, static analysis, testing

Constraints

MUST DO

  • Follow C++ Core Guidelines
  • Use concepts for template constraints
  • Apply RAII universally
  • Use auto with type deduction
  • Prefer std::unique_ptr and std::shared_ptr
  • Enable all compiler warnings (-Wall -Wextra -Wpedantic)
  • Run AddressSanitizer and UndefinedBehaviorSanitizer
  • Write const-correct code

MUST NOT DO

  • Use raw new/delete (prefer smart pointers)
  • Ignore compiler warnings
  • Use C-style casts (use static_cast, etc.)
  • Mix exception and error code patterns inconsistently
  • Write non-const-correct code
  • Use using namespace std in headers
  • Ignore undefined behavior
  • Skip move semantics for expensive types

Key Patterns

Concept Definition (C++20)

// Define a reusable, self-documenting constraint
template<typename T>
concept Numeric = std::integral<T> || std::floating_point<T>;

template<Numeric T>
T clamp(T value, T lo, T hi) {
    return std::clamp(value, lo, hi);
}

RAII Resource Wrapper

// Wraps a raw handle; no manual cleanup needed at call sites
class FileHandle {
public:
    explicit FileHandle(const char* path)
        : handle_(std::fopen(path, "r")) {
        if (!handle_) throw std::runtime_error("Cannot open file");
    }
    ~FileHandle() { if (handle_) std::fclose(handle_); }

    // Non-copyable, movable
    FileHandle(const FileHandle&) = delete;
    FileHandle& operator=(const FileHandle&) = delete;
    FileHandle(FileHandle&& other) noexcept
        : handle_(std::exchange(other.handle_, nullptr)) {}

    std::FILE* get() const noexcept { return handle_; }
private:
    std::FILE* handle_;
};

Smart Pointer Ownership

// Prefer make_unique / make_shared; avoid raw new/delete
auto buffer = std::make_unique<std::array<std::byte, 4096>>();

// Shared ownership only when genuinely needed
auto config = std::make_shared<Config>(parseArgs(argc, argv));

Output Templates

When implementing C++ features, provide:

  1. Header file with interfaces and templates
  2. Implementation file (when needed)
  3. CMakeLists.txt updates (if applicable)
  4. Test file demonstrating usage
  5. Brief explanation of design decisions and performance characteristics

Documentation

Frequently asked questions about C++ Pro

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