Programming Techniques

From GPWiki

Some general useful programming techniques.

Data structures

• Algorithm and Data Structures primer (incomplete)
• Arrays
• Binary heaps
• Hash tables
• Linked lists
• Queues
• Stacks
• Trees
  • Balanced binary trees
  • BSP trees
  • Octrees and quadtrees

Design patterns

Programming patterns

Behavioral patterns

• Observer When an object changes state, other objects are notified
• State Changing object behavior depending on the state of an object
• Strategy Supplying different interchangeable variants of an algorithm in a class
• Template method Supplying an algorithm in which sub-classes can redefine certain steps without changing the overall algorithm
• Visitor Separating operations on an object from the object itself in an extendable way. The basis for "double dispatch".

Creational patterns

• Singleton Implementing a class that has exactly one instance and a global point of access
• Abstract Factory Provide an interface for creating families of related or dependent objects without specifying their concrete classes.
• Builder Implementing a class that builds parts of a complex object.

Structural patterns

• Composite Combining several objects into an object that has the same behavior as its parts

Usability patterns

• Magnetism Making it easier and less frustrating to do precise targeting
• Shield Preventing that a critical action is performed by accident
• Context A single user command will perform the action appropriate to the context in which the command was issued

Error handling

• Exceptions
• Return values and/or flags
• Assertions

I/O

• Cross-Platform I/O Tips

Math Gems

• Color Operations
• Endian Operations
• Vector Operations
• Fast 4x4 Matrix Inversion
• Height of a Point in a Triangle

Miscellaneous

• Standard Game Object/Function names

Programming Techniques

• Event Driven Programming
• Self Defense in Game Development
• Global Variables
• C/C++ Header File Convention
• Double Dispatch