Should I use unsigned integers for counting members?

Question

Should I use unsigned integers for my count class members?

Answer

For example, assume a class

TList  = class
private
           


        

Answer 1

No, definitely not. Delphi idiom is to use integers here. Don't fight the language. In a 32 bit environment you'll not have more elements in the list, except if you try to build a bitmap.

Let's be clear: every programmer who is going to have to use your code is going to hate you for using a Cardinal instead of an integer.