Is it safe to assume C++11 by now even if the question is not tagged as such?

Question

I frequently come across questions from new users that are tagged just with c++, whereas it is very likely that by now (end of 2014) their compilers are C++11 compliant.

In such cases, should we refrain from suggesting the use of new features, even if those would improve the quality of the code? The ideal scenario, I believe, would be to post a comment in the OP asking for clarification and the addition of c++11, if that is the case. However, the feedback cycle might take some time. Time that could be better used writing an answer instead.

Answer 1

My feeling on this is that we are not answering the question just for the OP but also for everyone that comes after. So we should be answering the question based on the best methods for the current version of the language.

If the question is tagged C++ then I will provide insights that use all current features up to and an including C++14 (C++17 is not standardized enough to use as a reference yet). Though it is probably worth mentioning that it is a C++11/C++14 feature.

Tag:

C++   =>   Provide the best review you can for the current version on the standard.
           Which is C++14.
           But it is still worth mentioning C++11/C++14 specific feature (and alternatives)
           Though soon we should stop mentioning C++11 specific features.

C++98/C++03/C++11/C++14/C++17
      =>   Provide answers specific to that version of the language.

It is professionals with an older code base that are usually locked to an older version of the standard. These are not the people asking questions here. So I am really not to worried about providing the latest information. If they are locked to a specific version of the language they should explicitly say so by tagging it with the correct version.

Note: all the standard modern compilers now support C++14 (maybe you have to throw a flag). So students especially have access to all the new features (since they are all free as well). Since this is the majority of the people that ask questions we should make sure that we answer with correct up to date information.

Answer 2

Unless stated otherwise, I don't see the harm in mentioning C++11 anyway. I personally assume that the OP doesn't have access to C++11, unless either the c++11 tag is present or I see some existing C++11 features being used. For homework, I just assume no C++11, though I could still add some in case the student (or someone else) may find it useful someday.

You're free to add the tag yourself if you see that the OP is using C++11. If, however, it's stated that C++11 is specifically discouraged (perhaps a special implementation), then it may be okay to add the c++03 tag instead. So, even if you see neither of these tags, you may still post a C++11 answer.

Answer 3

Assume is the opposite of safe.

Either of this will do (some may need a feedback cycle, some won't):

• Ask for clarification
• Answer stating where C++11 can improve the code
• Answer for both
• Answer stating that something will only work in C++11

Answer 4

I would say it is not safe to assume c++11 for c++, for a few reasons:

1. Not everyone has the luxury of working on new projects with C++11 - there might constraints that prevent them from utilizing C++11, whether its integration with an older codebase, or the tools used in their enterprise, or simply excessive bureaucracy or adherence to previously set code guidelines that are out of their control.
2. Students or programmers who do not have access to newer C++11 capable tools or books.
3. Programmers who have a strong dislike of C++11 due to many years of coding in say, C++98. Granted, this should never be a reason, as developers should evolve with the language, but we cannot control that.

While it's possible to glean from the code whether the programmer is using C++11 in much the same way that PHP questions are not categorized by php5.3, php5.4, php5.5, etc tags, I'm still strongly against defaulting to c++11 for the c++ tag.

Answer 5

Yes. We've had C++11 for 3 years now. There may be programs in which it can't be used yet, either due to outdated tools or outdated management. But in those cases the programmers are aware of that problem, and can tag their questions accordingly. Thus, a question which is not tagged [C++03] can be assumed to be current [C++], i.e. [C++11]

The one exception is homework. For reasons I don't fully understand, many in the academic world are lagging (shouldn't it be the other way around?). Their students in particular may not be aware of C++11.