When should we use the C++ tag?

Question

I've noticed that a new user (who admittedly has lot of rep on other SE sites) has been re-tagging some programming questions to include the c++ tag.

These are the questions so far:

• Last element of a struct disappearing on write/read
• sprintf() to assemble String and float pieces locks up
• Is it better to use c_str or toCharArray?
• Is it better to use #define or const int for constants?

Given that the vast majority of programming on Arduino is in C++, it seems like a somewhat redundant tag in many cases. With that said, I am sure there are cases where it actually is relevant though.

When should we tag with c++, and when is the programming tag sufficient on its own?

Answer 1

I think most questions will be fine with just programming. However, there are some cases where giving it a C++ tag would be appropriate:

• When its a question on the C/C++ language. The answer will be in the details on cplusplus.com or AVR Libc something.
• When it's something that the Arduino language differs from standard C++ since you can't do everything.

If it's a question about code not working due to logic errors or not knowing how to write something, that's a programming question.

Only a handful of questions should be tagged C or C++.

Answer 2

I usually add the C++ tag when I get the chance for one simple reason:

It activates syntax-colouring for the code.

(assuming there is code posted)

It also activates syntax-colouring for any code in replies.

There is a way of doing that without the C++ tag, which is to paste this in your question or reply:

<!-- language-all: lang-C++ -->

Syntax colouring makes the code much more readable, and is useful to have when browsing someone's code in the question, and someone's code in the answer.

By the way, if you have done this and want to post something which is not code (like serial monitor output) you can also disable the colouring like this:

<!-- language-all: lang-none -->