The Psychology of Quality and More

C Style: Standards and Guidelines (contents)

CHAPTER 8 : Language Usage

PART 4 : USAGE

CHAPTER 8 : Language Usage
8.1 General principles of language usage
8.2 Using expressions
8.3 Using 'if'
8.4 Using 'while'
8.5 Using 'for'
8.6 Using 'do'
8.7 Using 'switch'
8.8 Using 'goto'
8.9 Using 'continue' and 'break'
8.10 Using 'return'
8.11 Using functions
8.12 Using '#define'
8.13 Conditional compilation
8.14 Other preprocessor commands
8.15 Summary

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The basic constructs of the language can be used in a wide variety of ways. Some uses are clear and logical, some are devious and clever and some are weird and ridiculous. C, in particular, allows obscurity to the point where it has even been described as a 'write only' language. Yet, at the same time, it can be elegant and lucid in ways other languages cannot reach.

The power of the language lies in its constituent parts and the flexible ways in which these may be used. If this power is used wisely and consistently, then the result will be more readable and maintainable code. If it is used unwisely or carelessly, then the result will be a maintenance nightmare.

This chapter looks at the issues of style surrounding the basic building blocks of the language, in particular those points which affect the usage of individual statements.

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