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(C++) global

A global (also: global variable) is a variable that is visible by all code (as opposite of a local variable, which is only visible in its scope). A non-const global is one of the biggest contributors of increasing state-space.

Compare the speed of local versus global variables.

Advice

• Avoid using global data [1-6,8]. Instead, declare variables as locally as possible [7]

References

1. Andrei Alexandrescu. Modern C++ Design. 2001. ISBN: 0201704315. Item 10: 'Minimize global and shared data'.
2. Stephen C. Dewhurst. C++ Gotchas. 2003. ISBN: 0-321-12518-5. Gotcha #3: 'Avoid global variables'.
3. C++ FAQ Lite: 'The names of global variables should start with //' and 'Instead of using a global variable, you should seriously consider if there are ways to limit the variable's visibility and/or lifetime'.
4. Bjarne Stroustrup. The C++ Programming Language (3rd edition).ISBN: 0-201-88954-4. Chapter 1.8.2.a: 'Don't use global data (use members)'
5. Jarrod Hollingworth , Bob Swart, Mark Cashman, Paul Gustavson. Sams C++ Builder 6 Developer's Guide. ISBN: 0-672-32480-6. Chapter 3: 'Avoid using global variables'
6. Jesse Liberty . Sams teach yourself C++ in 24 hours. ISBN: 0-672-32224-2. Hour 5, paragraph 'Global variables': 'In C++, global variables are avoided because they can create very confusing code that is hard to maintain.'
7. Andrei Alexandrescu. Modern C++ Design. 2001. ISBN: 0201704315. Item 18: 'Declare variables as locally as possible'.
8. Joint Strike Fighter Air Vehicle C++ Coding Standards for the System Development and Demonstration Program. Document Number 2RDU00001 Rev C. December 2005. AV Rule 207: 'Unencapsulated global data will be avoided.'

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