Skill: cpp - Modern C++ Development

Purpose

Provide modern C++ guidance for new implementations, refactors, and performance tuning. Emphasize C++17/20/23 language features, safe resource management, and scalable architecture.

File Structure

forge-plugin/skills/cpp/
├── SKILL.md
└── examples.md

Interface References

• Context: Load guidance via ContextProvider Interface
• Memory: Store project knowledge via MemoryStore Interface
• Output: Save reports to /claudedocs/ using OUTPUT_CONVENTIONS.md

Mandatory Workflow

Step 1: Initial Analysis

• Confirm target C++ standard (C++17/20/23) and compiler toolchain
• Identify build system (CMake, Bazel, Meson) and deployment targets
• Clarify goals: modernization, performance, safety, or API design

Step 2: Load Memory

• Use memoryStore.getSkillMemory("cpp", "{project-name}") to load project-specific conventions
• Review cross-skill notes via memoryStore.getByProject("{project-name}")

Step 3: Load Context

• Use contextProvider.getDomainIndex("engineering") to select relevant engineering guidance
• Load only the context files required for the current task and stay within the file budget

Step 4: Perform Analysis

• Assess ownership and lifetime design (RAII, smart pointers, move semantics)
• Evaluate concurrency, synchronization, and lock-free patterns where applicable
• Review API boundaries, error handling, and ABI compatibility concerns
• Identify performance opportunities (allocation patterns, cache locality, algorithmic complexity)

Step 5: Generate Output

• Deliver actionable guidance, code samples, and decision trade-offs
• Save the report to /claudedocs/cpp_{project}_{YYYY-MM-DD}.md following OUTPUT_CONVENTIONS

Step 6: Update Memory

• Capture toolchain details, architectural decisions, and recurring pitfalls
• Update memory with memoryStore.update("cpp", "{project-name}", ...)

Compliance Checklist

• Step 1 completed with project scope and C++ standard
• Step 2 loaded project memory via MemoryStore
• Step 3 loaded relevant context via ContextProvider
• Step 4 analysis covered safety, architecture, and performance
• Step 5 output saved to /claudedocs/ with correct naming
• Step 6 memory updated with new insights

Version History

Version	Date	Changes
1.0.0	2026-02-12	Initial release