m06-error-handling

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Mastering C++ Error Handling. Triggers: exceptions, try-catch, noexcept, std::expected, std::optional, error codes, assert, terminate.

13eholder By 13eholder schedule Updated 1/25/2026
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name: m06-error-handling description: "Mastering C++ Error Handling. Triggers: exceptions, try-catch, noexcept, std::expected, std::optional, error codes, assert, terminate."

C++ Error Handling

Core Question

Is this error recoverable?

  • Yes (Local): std::expected or return code.
  • Yes (Distant): Exceptions (throw).
  • No (Bug): assert or std::terminate.

Error → Design Question

Issue Design Question
Uncaught Exception Did you forget to catch, or throw in noexcept?
Silent Failure Did you ignore a return code? (Use [[nodiscard]]).
Destructor Throw Never throw from destructor (std::terminate).

Thinking Prompt

  1. Is absence valid?

    • Yes? → std::optional<T>.

  2. Does caller need details?

    • Yes? → std::expected<T, E> or Exception.
    • No? → bool or std::optional.

  3. Is it a Logic Error (Bug)?

    • Yes? → assert() or std::terminate(). Do not throw for bugs in C++ (Contract Violation).

Trace Up / Down

  • Trace Up:
    • Issue: "Program aborted with 'terminate called recursively'."
    • Cause: An exception was thrown while stack unwinding (in a destructor).
    • Fix: Fix the destructor. Ensure RAII cleanup is noexcept.

Quick Reference

Mechanism Cost (Happy) Cost (Sad) Use When
std::optional Branch Branch Return may be empty.
std::expected Branch Branch Recoverable error (Parsing).
Exception Zero Huge Rare IO/Resource errors.
Assert Zero (Release) Abort Logic bugs / Invariants.
Install via CLI
npx skills add https://github.com/13eholder/Modern-Cpp-Skills --skill m06-error-handling
Repository Details
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