C++ Mental Models
Core Question
What happens in memory?
- •Value: Does it own the bytes?
- •Reference: Is it an alias?
- •Pointer: Is it nullable?
Thinking Prompt
- •
Is it a Copy or Reference?
- •
auto x = y(Copy). - •
auto& x = y(Reference).
- •
- •
Does it dangle?
- •Returning
&localis always wrong.
- •Returning
Quick Reference
| Concept | Mental Model |
|---|---|
T& | Guaranteed Alias. |
T* | Nullable Address (Requires check). |
std::move | Cast to rvalue (Prepare to steal). |