What are the best practices for using switch-case in C++?

What are the best practices for using switch-case in C++?

When using switch-case in C++, it's important to follow some best practices for clarity and efficiency. First, ensure that each case is distinct and covers all possible values. Use 'break' statements to prevent fall-through unless intentional. Additionally, consider using enums for case values to improve readability.

Can you explain why fall-through might be useful?

Fall-through can be useful when multiple cases should execute the same block of code. For example, if you want to handle several values in the same way, you can stack them without repeating code. Just be cautious, as it can lead to bugs if not documented properly.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, performance can vary based on the number of cases and how they are structured. A switch statement can be more efficient than multiple if-else statements, especially with many cases. However, if the cases are sparse, a lookup table might be more efficient.

What about using default cases?

Using a default case is a good practice as it handles unexpected values. It can also improve code maintainability by providing a fallback option, ensuring that your program behaves predictably even with unhandled cases.