modern-cpp

by trailofbits7.6k

Guides C++ code toward modern idioms (C++20/23/26). Use when writing new C++ code, modernizing legacy patterns, or working on security-critical C++. Replaces raw pointers with smart pointers, SFINAE w

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The skill file stays in the publisher's repository.

Paste the copied command in a terminal. It installs this SKILL.md into that agent.

npx skills add trailofbits/skills --skill modern-cpp -a cursor -y

Download skill plugins/modern-cpp/skills/modern-cpp/SKILL.md on GitHub

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Questions

How do I install modern-cpp?: Download plugins/modern-cpp/skills/modern-cpp/SKILL.md from the publisher, or copy the path and open the repository. PlugMCP lists the skill and does not host the file.
Where does modern-cpp live?: The publisher keeps it at https://github.com/trailofbits/skills.
Which agents can use modern-cpp?: Claude, Cursor, and Codex can read a SKILL.md you add from the publisher's repository.

name: modern-cpp description: Guides C++ code toward modern idioms (C++20/23/26). Use when writing new C++ code, modernizing legacy patterns, or working on security-critical C++. Replaces raw pointers with smart pointers, SFINAE with concepts, printf with std::print, error codes with std::expected.

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.

Avoid	Use Instead	Why
`new`/`delete`	`std::make_unique`, `std::make_shared`	Eliminates leaks, double-free
Raw owning pointers	`std::unique_ptr`, `std::shared_ptr`	RAII ownership semantics
C arrays (`int arr[N]`)	`std::array<int, N>`	Bounds-aware, value semantics
Pointer + length params	`std::span<T>`	Non-owning, bounds-checkable
`printf` / `sprintf`	`std::format`, `std::print`	Type-safe, no buffer overflow
C-style casts `(int)x`	`static_cast<int>(x)`	Explicit intent, auditable
`#define` constants	`constexpr` variables	Scoped, typed, debuggable
SFINAE / `enable_if`	Concepts + `requires`	Readable constraints and errors
Error codes + out params	`std::expected<T, E>`	Composable, type-safe errors
`union`	`std::variant`	Type-safe, no silent UB
Raw `mutex.lock()/unlock()`	`std::scoped_lock`	Exception-safe, no deadlocks
`std::thread`	`std::jthread`	Auto-join, stop token support
`assert()` macro	`contract_assert` (C++26)	Visible to tooling, configurable
Manual CRTP	Deducing `this` (C++23)	Simpler, no template boilerplate
Macro code generation	Reflection (C++26)	Zero-overhead, composable

Feature	Replaces	Standard
Concepts + `requires`	SFINAE, `enable_if`	C++20
Ranges + views	Raw iterator loops	C++20
`std::span<T>`	Pointer + length	C++20
`std::format`	`sprintf`, iostream chains	C++20
Three-way comparison `<=>`	Manual comparison operators	C++20
`std::jthread`	`std::thread` + manual join	C++20
Designated initializers	Positional struct init	C++20
`std::expected<T,E>`	Error codes, exceptions at boundaries	C++23
`std::print` / `std::println`	`printf`, `std::cout <<`	C++23
Deducing `this`	CRTP, const/non-const duplication	C++23
`std::flat_map`	`std::map` for read-heavy use	C++23
Monadic `std::optional`	Nested if-checks on optionals	C++23

Rationalization	Why It's Wrong
"It compiles without warnings"	Warnings depend on which flags you enable. Add `-Wall -Wextra -Wpedantic`.
"ASan is too slow for production"	Use GWP-ASan for sampling-based production detection (~0% overhead).
"We only use safe containers"	Iterator invalidation and unchecked `optional` access are still exploitable.
"Smart pointers are slower"	`std::unique_ptr` has zero overhead vs raw pointers. Measure before claiming.
"Our code doesn't have memory bugs"	Google found 1000+ bugs when enabling hardened libc++. So did everyone else.
"C++26 features aren't available yet"	C++20/23 features are. Hardening flags work on any standard. Start there.
"Modern C++ is harder to read"	`std::expected` is more readable than checking error codes across 5 out-params.

modern-cpp

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name: modern-cpp description: Guides C++ code toward modern idioms (C++20/23/26). Use when writing new C++ code, modernizing legacy patterns, or working on security-critical C++. Replaces raw pointers with smart pointers, SFINAE with concepts, printf with std::print, error codes with std::expected.

Modern C++

When to Use This Skill

When NOT to Use This Skill

Anti-Patterns to Avoid

Decision Tree

Feature Tiers

Tier 1: Use Today (C++20/23, solid compiler support)

Tier 2: Deploy Now (no standard bump needed)

Tier 3: Plan For (C++26, worth restructuring around)

Tier 4: Watch (C++26, needs maturation)

Compiler Hardening Quick Reference

Essential Flags (GCC + Clang)

Clang-Specific

Hardened libc++ (Clang/libc++ only)

Rationalizations to Reject

Best Practices Checklist

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