🔟 Essential C++ Habits for Developers

1. ✍️ Write Clean and Readable Code

• Use meaningful variable and function names.
• Stick to a consistent coding style (e.g., Allman or K&R).
• Properly indent and comment complex logic.

2. Master Memory Management

• Understand pointers, references, and dynamic memory.
• Always delete what you new — avoid memory leaks.
• Use smart pointers (std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr) for safety.

3. Embrace Test-Driven Development (TDD)

• Write unit tests using frameworks like Google Test.
• Test classes and critical functions early.
• Automate test cases for regression testing.

4. Use the Standard Template Library (STL) Wisely

• Leverage containers like vector, map, and set.
• Learn STL algorithms: sort(), find_if(), accumulate().
• Prefer STL over writing your own data structures.

5. Understand RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization)

• Let object lifetimes manage resource cleanup.
• Use constructors/destructors to control resources safely.
• Prevent resource leaks in exception-prone code.

6. Avoid Code Duplication (DRY Principle)

• Break repetitive logic into reusable functions.
• Use templates and function overloading for generalization.
• Keep your code modular and maintainable.

7. Optimize with Care

• Focus on correctness first, then performance.
• Use profiling tools to identify real bottlenecks.
• Prefer const correctness and inline functions for small utilities.

8. Debug Efficiently

• Use tools like gdb, Valgrind, or IDE debuggers.
• Print useful debug logs with context.
• Read stack traces and watch memory usage.

9. Read and Analyze Professional Code

• Explore open-source C++ projects on GitHub.
• Study patterns like RAII, Factory, and Observer.
• Learn how experienced devs structure large-scale applications.

10. Practice, Refactor, and Build Projects

• Code regularly and refactor old solutions.
• Build real-world apps (CLI tools, small games, APIs).
• Solve problems on platforms like LeetCode, Codeforces, or HackerRank. For more click here