| name | clang-format |
| description | Use when editing C/C++ files, before claiming edits are complete, or when tempted to manually adjust indentation, spacing, brace placement, or include ordering |
clang-format
Overview
Never manually reformat C/C++ code. Always delegate formatting to clang-format. Each module has its own .clang-format — clang-format picks up the nearest one automatically.
Rule
After editing any C/C++ file, run:
clang-format -i <file>
For multiple files:
clang-format -i File1.cpp File1.h
When This Applies
- After any edit to
.cpp, .h, or .inl files
- Before stating that an edit is complete
- When you notice misaligned code in a file you just touched
What NOT to Do
- Do not manually add/remove spaces to align assignments or declarations
- Do not manually reorder
#includes
- Do not manually adjust brace placement or indentation
- Do not skip clang-format because "the change is small"
Common Mistake
Running clang-format on the whole directory when you only edited one file — this risks reformatting vendor or generated code. Format only the files you touched.
