Developers are a rare breed of humans with superpowers fueled by keyboards and programming tools. But without a streamlined coding environment, they are easily frustrated. Regardless of their expertise, developers use many development applications to improve their coding productivity.
In this article, we’ll cover practical strategies for developers interested in boosting their C++ productivity. We’ll also talk about how Visual Assist–an extension of Visual Studio for C, C++, and C# helps developers improve their coding efficiency.
What Makes C++ Unique?
Built on top of the C programming language, C++ is considered the foundation of high-level languages prevalent today, offering a rich set of libraries and functions.
At the time of its initial development and release, the distinguishing feature of C++ was the introduction of powerful object-oriented programming concepts. The implementation of classes and their various OOP mechanisms like inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction, and encapsulation has transformed programming practices today.
Moreover, C++ is one of the few compiled programming languages that offer C-level access to the underlying hardware, memory, and kernel services. It provides powerful pointer manipulation for dynamic memory allocations. Additionally, various modern software and programming tools are built using C++ due to superior performance outputs.
C++ In Game Development
One of our favorite use cases for C++ implementation is game development–particularly using Unreal Engine. Most gameplay packages and plugins in Unreal Engine are written using C++. The latest addition to the long list of Unreal Engine’s C++-powered features is Enhanced Input[1]– a gameplay plugin that can read and interpret advanced user input. It enables advanced input features like runtime control remapping or complex input handling.
C++ holds a unique position in the development community with many such powerful use cases, applications, and features.
What Are Some Real-World Applications of C++?
C++ is not just a conventional language for solving trivial programming tasks. Instead, it is extensively used in real-world industrial software and applications such as:
- Game Development using Unreal Engine
- Image Processing using MATLAB
- Browsers like Mozilla and Chrome
- Embedded programs for medicine and health care
- Operating systems and compilers
- Various enterprise-level transactional software for banking and finance
- Web Development using TreeFrog[2] and Wt[3]
Why Is C++ Still In Practice Today?
C++ is being used to date because of its flexibility and agility. It supports both functional and object-oriented programming and provides high performance for large volumes of data as well.
It facilitates the digital transformation of traditional legacy applications and handles the processing of high-resolution graphics. Tech giants like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Microsoft use C++ for various internal and external applications and services.
What Are Some Practical Tips To Improve C++ Productivity?
Spending hours writing lengthy code affects development productivity and negatively impacts the quality of software applications. Without proper guidelines, coding can become a daunting task for many developers.
A developer following irregular coding practices is likely to lose interest or get demotivated. Here’s a list of strategies that developers can adopt to boost their coding motivation and C++ productivity:
-
Plan Ahead
If practice makes a man perfect, so does planning. Prepare a to-do list at the start of the day and prioritize the critical programming tasks.
Say no to procrastination.
And divide the working hours into smaller slots to stay fresh and motivated. Proper planning improves your odds of success.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin
-
Set a Distraction-Free Environment
The place chosen for work is as important as the task at hand.
Look for a quiet corner with zero distractions. Keep the essentials close by and declutter the working space regularly.
Turn off unnecessary notifications and pick the cellphone only when needed. Strictly avoid using any social media sites or doing mindless web surfing.
-
Schedule Focus Hours
Identify a time slot to work with maximum potential and energy. It can be either early morning or late night. Working all day only results in burnout.
Start with the most challenging task with a fresh and clear mind. Gradually move towards less complex problems. Take mini-breaks after regular intervals.
-
Construct a Map Before Implementation
Most of the programmers dive into writing the code before analyzing the problem. The first phase of development is to understand the logical requirements.
Try to write down the ideas, draw an outline, and map the functions. A well-structured code design saves time spent on refactoring in later stages.
“First, solve the problem. Then, write the code.” – John Johnson
-
Utilize Powerful C++ Productivity Tools
Choosing the right programming tools is critical to improving C++ productivity. The majority of developers prefer user-friendly coding assistance tools with robust accessibility features. One such tool is Visual Assist– a comprehensive coding assistant to develop C++ programs.
Visual Assist offers coding assistance, code correction, debugging assistance, and refactoring features to write clean coding constructs, along with an array of productivity features.
Besides regular development projects, Visual Assist understands the structure of game development projects developed via Unreal Engine. It parses the source code and provides intelligent suggestions for a better game development experience.
-
Follow DRY & KISS Principles
Coding experience can be simplified using two timeless principles, i.e., DRY & KISS.
Replicated code structures can often generate bugs. DRY or “Don’t Repeat Yourself” is a rule to avoid repetitions in code.
Whereas KISS or “Keep It Simple, Stupid” encourages developers to write clear and concise syntax.
“ Code is like humor. When you have to explain it, it’s bad.” – Cory House
-
Pair Programming & Code Review
A program may seem just flawless to the developer who has written it. Get the code reviewed by an expert for detecting hidden errors or missing functionalities.
Additionally, working with a senior developer who can point out errors on the fly can improve programming productivity immensely. Companies often encourage pair programming practices to enhance the quality of code, enable faster delivery time, and facilitate knowledge transfer.
-
Keep Up With the Latest C++ Language Updates
As cliche as it may sound, change is the only constant in life (and coding).
Programming languages are frequently updated with new functionalities and syntax improvements.
Implement and practice the latest programming methods and trends. Additionally, subscribe to the resources that publish language-related content.
-
Set Reasonable Deadlines
The productivity of programmers is usually measured by the time taken to deliver the application. Having a realistic deadline allows the developers to stay on track and focused.
Never overestimate your programming skills. Keep time aside for handling bugs, runtime issues, or unexpected events. You never know when a silly little mistake crashes the entire system.
-
Communicate and Collaborate
Attend team meetings and healthy group discussions. Participate in relevant programming contests as competing with peers fuels individual growth.
Present the work to the seniors, note their recommendations, and take their feedback with a positive mindset. Explore the work of other developers to gain more insights and broaden your programming horizon.
Ready to Improve Your C++ productivity?
C++ is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. With the right tools, developers can improve their C++ productivity. In this article, we have discussed some practical tips to improve coding productivity and expanded on how Visual Assist is helping developers become more productive at work.
Factors like planning, appropriate tool selection, and pair programming can drastically boost a developer’s productivity. With Visual Assist, the challenging coding journey can become more efficient and rewarding.
Visual Assist provides a perfect blend of features, utilities, and workspace for coding. Visual Assist is a complete package that offers all essentials for training beginners to become experts.
Explore Visual Assist features in detail to discover why developers and students consider it a reliable coding partner or try it for free today.
References
[1] https://docs.unrealengine.com/4.26/en-US/InteractiveExperiences/Input/EnhancedInput/
[2] https://www.treefrogframework.org/
[3] https://www.webtoolkit.eu/wt
Interesting Related Article: “Exploring the Pros and Cons of Next-Generation Sequencing“