r/reviews/http.h.md

# 6

## Bugs
- `create_context` and `create_context2` functions are redundant; however, only `create_context2` performs error checking, which is crucial.
- Use of `gethostbyname` is deprecated; it should be replaced with more modern alternatives like `getaddrinfo`.
- `api_key` is used within `http_post` and `http_get` functions without being defined in the code.
- Risk of memory leak when reallocating the buffer if `realloc` fails, the original buffer is not freed, and the system would have reduced memory.
- `close(sock)` does not check for errors.

## Optimizations
- Consolidate `create_context` and `create_context2` into a single function to avoid redundancy and potential maintenance issues.
- Use `getaddrinfo` instead of `gethostbyname` for better compatibility and thread safety.
- Include proper error handling if `realloc` fails to make efficient memory management.
- Specify size when using `malloc` or `realloc` for buffer to enhance readability and maintenance.
- Use `snprintf` instead of `sprintf` to avoid buffer overflow vulnerabilities.

## Good points
- Proper initialization and cleanup of OpenSSL.
- Effective use of OpenSSL APIs to set up TLS/SSL connections.
- Clear function separation for handling different tasks like initializing SSL, creating sockets, and managing HTTP requests.
- Usage of dynamic memory management for buffer handling shows good understanding.

## Summary
The code demonstrates an understanding of OpenSSL API for creating secure HTTP connections over SSL/TLS, and effectively segregates the key functionalities. However, there are a few significant issues that need addressing, including handling deprecated functions, managing possible memory leaks, and ensuring error checking across all parts of the code. The use of global `api_key` is problematic since its source isn't evident within the code snippet. Memory handling and duplication of functions are areas where optimizations could significantly enhance the robustness and efficiency of the code.

## Open source alternatives
- **Libcurl**: A widely used library that offers a simple and consistent API for making HTTP requests, supporting a variety of protocols and features including SSL/TLS.
- **Boost.Beast**: This C++ library is part of the Boost collection, providing an HTTP and WebSocket client and server built on top of Boost.Asio. It offers SSL/TLS support via OpenSSL.
- **HttpClient in Poco**: The POCO C++ Libraries offer components that simplify HTTP/S communications, including robust support for SSL/TLS.