clang-format

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.