programming-cpp-naming-rules

name	programming-cpp-naming-rules
description	C++ file and class naming conventions - folder structure matches namespaces, no redundant prefixes

C++ Naming Rules

Use this skill when creating new C++ files or refactoring file structure.

Folder Structure = Namespace

Folder structure should correspond to namespaces. Don't repeat namespace prefixes in filenames.

// ❌ BAD: amd_smi/amd_smi_driver.hpp
namespace amd_smi {
class amd_smi_driver {};  // Redundant prefix
}

// ✅ GOOD: amd_smi/driver.hpp
namespace amd_smi {
class driver {};  // Clean, folder provides context
}

Rules

1. No redundant prefixes: If file is in amd_smi/, don't name it amd_smi_driver.hpp - use driver.hpp
2. Namespace = folder path: foo/bar/baz.hpp → namespace foo::bar { class baz {} }
3. Class name = file name: driver.hpp contains class driver or struct driver
4. One class per file (when practical): Easier to find and maintain

Examples

Folder Path	File Name	Namespace	Class/Struct
amd_smi/	driver.hpp	amd_smi	driver
amd_smi/gpu/	metrics.hpp	amd_smi::gpu	metrics
core/utils/	string_helper.hpp	core::utils	string_helper
network/http/	client.hpp	network::http	client

Nested Namespaces (C++17)

Use nested namespace syntax when declaring:

// ✅ GOOD: C++17 nested namespace
namespace network::http {
class client {
    // ...
};
}  // namespace network::http

// ❌ AVOID: Old style (more verbose)
namespace network {
namespace http {
class client {
    // ...
};
}  // namespace http
}  // namespace network

Include Guards / #pragma once

Match the full path in include guards:

// File: amd_smi/gpu/metrics.hpp

#pragma once  // Preferred

// OR traditional include guard matching full path:
#ifndef AMD_SMI_GPU_METRICS_HPP
#define AMD_SMI_GPU_METRICS_HPP

// ...

#endif  // AMD_SMI_GPU_METRICS_HPP

Summary

• Folder = namespace context - don't repeat it in filenames
• Filename = class name - easy to find
• Path tells the full story: project/module/submodule/class.hpp