c++ Archives

C++ always comes to the rescue for challenging problems: the llamafile case study is a prime example.

C++ has been instrumental in resolving numerous challenging problems across various domains due to its efficiency, performance, and versatility. Some of the challenging problems resolved by C++ include:

System Software Development: C++ has been extensively used in developing system software such as operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux), device drivers, and embedded systems due to its low-level capabilities and ability to interact closely with hardware.
Game Development: C++ is widely employed in the game development industry to create high-performance and resource-efficient games. Its ability to manage memory and provide low-level access to hardware makes it suitable for developing game engines and graphics-intensive applications.
High-Performance Computing: C++ is a preferred choice for developing high-performance computing applications, including simulations, scientific computing, and numerical analysis. Its ability to optimize code for speed and efficiency allows for faster execution of complex algorithms.
Financial Systems: C++ is commonly used in developing financial systems and trading platforms due to its speed and reliability. It is crucial in building algorithmic trading systems, risk management software, and market analysis tools.
Networking and Telecommunications: C++ is utilized in networking and telecommunications for building efficient network protocols, routers, and communication software. Its ability to handle low-level network operations and optimize network performance makes it invaluable in this domain.

C++ creator rebuts White House warning, but there’s no smoke without fire :)

In a March 15 response to an inquiry from InfoWorld, Stroustrup pointed out strengths of C++. “I find it surprising that the writers of those government documents seem oblivious of the strengths of contemporary C++ and the efforts to provide strong safety guarantees,” Stroustrup said.

And Stroustrup cited a fact about the origin of the issue :

There are two problems related to safety. Of the billions of lines of C++, few completely follow modern guidelines, and peoples’ notions of which aspects of safety are important differ.

This highlights a significant problem with C++. When any programming language permits the execution of potentially harmful actions, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a considerable portion of developers may misuse it.

And when confronted about writing bad code, developers may offer various arguments to justify their actions, though these are often excuses rather than valid reasons:

What attempts have been made to bring memory safety to C++?

C++ is a powerful and widely used programming language known for its flexibility and performance. However, one of its historical drawbacks has been the lack of built-in memory safety features, which can lead to various types of memory-related bugs such as buffer overflows, dangling pointers, and memory leaks.

This is a known issue that has persisted for decades, and numerous attempts have been made to find a solution. Unfortunately, none have succeeded.

What has been done in the past to enhance memory safety within the language?

Make your C++ code more safer by enabling the native compiler Runtime Checks.

Runtime checks in C++ refer to mechanisms or tools used to detect errors, vulnerabilities, or unexpected behavior in a program while it is executing. These checks are performed dynamically during runtime rather than at compile-time and can help identify issues that may not be apparent during static analysis or code review.

What about our emotional relationship with a specific programming language? C++ as example.

The emotional relationship between a developer and a programming language can be quite profound and personal, like to the relationship between a musician and his instrument. This relationship is shaped by various factors and experiences, leading to a complex mix of feelings and attachments.

Developers often feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with a programming language they have been using for a long time. They develop an intimate understanding of its syntax, semantics, and quirks, which can create a feeling of being “at home” when writing code. Emotional attachment to a programming language can fuel passion and motivation in developers. However, it can introduce some risks, like :

Even the White House wants you to abandon C and C++, It’s time to focus on C++ safety and join the Bjarne initiative.

The C and C++ languages are no longer favored by the highest American authorities. Indeed, the White House wishes for developers to use memory-safe languages. In this report published on Monday, the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) of the White House invites developers to reduce the risk of cyberattacks by using languages without memory vulnerabilities. IT companies “can prevent the introduction of multiple vulnerabilities into the digital ecosystem by adopting secure languages,” the presidency said in a statement. It refers to those that are protected against buffer overflow, out-of-bounds reads, and memory leaks.

Are you curious to know where the move feature is used in your C++ projects, on your behalf?

Move semantics is a feature introduced in C++11 that allows more efficient transfer of resources (such as dynamic memory) from one object to another. It addresses the inefficiencies associated with deep copying objects, especially large ones, by allowing objects to “steal” the resources of other objects when possible, rather than duplicating them.

Before C++11, when you assigned one object to another, a copy constructor or assignment operator would be invoked, resulting in a deep copy of the object’s data. This process could be expensive, particularly for large objects or those containing dynamic memory allocations. This feature is particularly useful in scenarios where performance optimization is critical, such as in high-performance computing, game development, and resource-constrained environments.

Move semantics introduces the notion of “rvalue references” and a new concept called “move constructors” and “move assignment operators”.

Here’s how it works:

C++ is now a feature-rich language, Be aware of OverEngineering

Being aware of overengineering is crucial when working with a feature-rich language like C++. Overengineering occurs when developers introduce overly complex or unnecessary solutions to a problem.

C++ developers could be attempted to use as possible the new features introduced by the new standards. which makes the code finally more complicated than it must be.

Here’s an example to show how C++ metaprogramming can be used to create a type-erased container with arithmetic operations that are evaluated at compile time. While this example show the power and flexibility of C++ metaprogramming techniques. it might seem complicated due to the use of templates, concepts and constexpr functions:

Proposal for the next C++ standards

Modern C++ refers to the evolution of the C++ programming language beyond its original design principles, incorporating newer features, idioms, and best practices that have emerged since the language’s inception.

C++ is standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). C++ standards are typically released every few years, bringing new features and improvements to the language.

Average experience of active C++ development Poll

C++ has a steep learning curve compared to some other programming languages. Its syntax and concepts can be complex, especially for beginners or those transitioning from higher-level languages. C++ may not be as beginner-friendly as some other languages, it offers unparalleled power, flexibility, and opportunities for those willing to invest in learning and mastering its intricacies.

The level of experience, particularly with active development spanning more than five years, often correlates with a deeper understanding of C++ and its capabilities. Developers who have been actively working with C++ for an extended period tend to have a comprehensive knowledge of the language’s features, nuances, and ecosystem, enabling them to leverage its power effectively in various applications.

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