Is `assert()` Truly Evil in C and C ?

Is assert() the Devil's Spawn? A Rational Examination

In their wisdom, the Go language creators have decreed that assertions are evil, a crutch that stifles proper error handling and reporting. But how do these arguments hold up in the realm of C and C ?

Arguments Against Assertions

According to the Go team, assertions are problematic because:

• They encourage lazy error handling. Programmers may rely on assertions to catch errors instead of implementing robust error handling mechanisms.
• They provide indirect and verbose error messages. Crash traces generated by assertions can be difficult to interpret, making it harder to pinpoint the root cause.

Arguments for Assertions

Despite the concerns raised by the Go creators, assertions do have their uses, particularly in the following scenarios:

• Debugging: Assertions serve as a valuable tool for identifying logical errors that are unlikely to occur during normal operation.
• Runtime Validation: Assertions can be used to validate input or system state before performing critical operations, providing additional protection against unexpected conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Facilitate quick identification of logical errors
• Provide an additional layer of validation
• Can improve code readability

Cons:

• Can replace proper error handling if used excessively
• Generate verbose and potentially confusing error messages
• May slow down program execution

Conclusion

The use of assert() is not inherently evil, but it should be employed wisely. Assertions should be reserved for debugging purposes or as a secondary line of defense against unexpected conditions. By adhering to these principles, C and C programmers can harness the benefits of assertions without compromising their code quality or performance.

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