My approach to writing C++:

1. Write a test
2. If I don't understand the compiler errors, give up.
3. Run the test.
4. If it segfaults and I can't work out why in gdb, give up.
5. Make the test pass.
6. If the result is ugly and it breaks when I refactor, write a different test
7. Anything that makes it this far can be shipped.