C++ Exceptions

Introduction

The decision to use exceptions is not one to be taken lightly in any language. In C++ the issues are complicated by the difficulties of correctly handling resources such as the free store. We therefore make this separate course available as a supplement to our C++ courses.

Duration and Construction

The course lasts one day, starting at 09.30 and finishing at 17.00. The delivery is via lecture, practical exercise and discussion.

Intended Audience

Participants should already have a good knowledge of C++ and object technology. Ideally they will have attended the Advanced C++ (C++ Traps and Pitfalls) course.

Aims

To understand why exception mechanisms might be necessary in languages
To understand how a naïve use of exceptions can make things worse instead of better
To learn when to use and when not to use exceptions
To learn some of the techniques to ensure exception-safety and exception-neutrality
To pursue one example class from first design to true exception -neutrality and exception-safety

Deliverables

Lectures
Facilitation of discussions
Direction, assistance and feedback during practicals
Proposed solutions for the practicals
Copies of lecture slides, plus explanatory text and summaries
Reference list of books and sources

Numbers

We recommend that there are no more than 10 participants, with the best results usually obtained when there are at least 5 participants.

The need for, and nature of, exceptions
C++ exceptions, and the syntax of both sides (try-catch and throw) of exception handling
Exception handling strategies and tactics
Standard library exceptions
The traps and pitfalls of functions that throw, of functions that catch and of functions that provoke exceptions they neither consider nor catch
Templates and their amplification of exception challenges
Construction and destruction and exceptions
Memory management and auto_ptr
The puzzle of throw specifications in C++
Cargill's challenge (of making an apparently simple class exception-safe and exception-neutral)
Safety guidelines

Site Requirements

One PC with Visual C++ (version 6 or .NET), per participant (including one for the lecturer), preferably networked and with a printer
Data projector of at least 1024 x 768 resolution, and suitable screen
White-board, preferably not doubling up as the OHP's screen; blackboard and chalk are acceptable
Flip-chart and easel, with additional flip-chart paper

Contacting

Please contact Matrice by telephone on +44 7010 704705; by fax on +44 7010 704706; by emailing bookings@matrice.co.uk; or by visiting http://www.matrice.co.uk