Modern C++

Guide for writing modern C++ using C++20, C++23, and C++26 idioms. Focuses on patterns that eliminate vulnerability classes and reduce boilerplate, with a security emphasis from Trail of Bits.

When to Use This Skill

• Writing new C++ functions, classes, or libraries
• Modernizing existing C++ code (pre-C++20 patterns)
• Choosing between legacy and modern approaches
• Working on security-critical or safety-sensitive C++
• Reviewing C++ code for modern idiom adoption

When NOT to Use This Skill

• User explicitly requires older standard: Respect constraints (embedded, legacy ABI)
• Pure C code: This skill is C++-specific
• Build system questions: CMake, Meson, Bazel configuration is out of scope
• Non-C++ projects: Mixed codebases where C++ isn't primary