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(C++) auto

auto is a keyword that has different meanings, depending on the standard used:

• auto in the C++11 standard
• auto in the C++98 standard

auto in the C++11 standard

In the C++11 Standard, auto is useful to let the compiler determine a variable's data type

auto in the C++98 standard

auto as described in the ISO/IEC 14882:2003 C++ Standard is a keyword to specify that a locally declared variable is destroyed at the end of its scope. In other words: to specify to do, what already will be done. In C++98, never write auto [1]

Example

• auto example 1: basics

Advice

• Use auto to avoid verbosity and typos when you use iterators [2]
• Prefer auto to explicit type declarations [3]
• Prefer the = syntax for the initialization in declarations using auto [5]
• Remember that auto + { expr } == std::initializer_list [4]
• In C++98, never write auto [1]

References

1. Herb Sutter. Exceptional C++ style. 2005. ISBN: 0-201-76042-8. Item 28 guideline: 'Never write auto'.
2. Bjarne Stroustrup. The C++ Programming Language (4th edition). 2013. ISBN: 978-0-321-56384-2. Chapter 31.6. Advice. page 924: '[17] Use auto to avoid verbosity and typos when you use iterators'
3. Scott Meyers. C++ And Beyond 2012 session: 'Initial thoughts on Effective C++11'. 2012. 'Prefer auto to Explicit Type Declarations'
4. Scott Meyers. C++ And Beyond 2012 session: 'Initial thoughts on Effective C++11'. 2012. 'Remember that auto + { expr } == std::initializer_list'
5. Bjarne Stroustrup. The C++ Programming Language (4th edition). 2013. ISBN: 978-0-321-56384-2. Chapter 6.6. Advice, page 169: '[20] Prefer the = syntax for the initialization in declarations using auto'

Go back to Richel Bilderbeek's C++ page.

Go back to Richel Bilderbeek's homepage.