For an in-depth discussion on the pros and cons of C++ exception usage, check out this article from the CodeProject: http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cpp/cppexceptionsproetcontra.a.... The Google style guideline simply presents one particular opinion on the usage of exceptions. They figure it's easier to maintain source code (particularly in large open source projects) that only uses error codes, than a mix of error codes and exceptions.

As they say that the end "Use common sense and BE CONSISTENT." http://google-styleguide.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/cppguide.x... If you are modifying a project that uses exceptions, then use exceptions. If you then modify a different project that uses error codes instead, then use error codes. Be consistent above all else.