CppCon, The C++ Conference 2024 - Alon Wolf: "Compile-Time Validation in C++ Programming" youtu.be/jDn0rxWr0RY C++ is often criticized for its lack of inherent memory safety, but the spectrum of potential program validations extends far beyond just memory concerns. This talk delves into the necessity of early validation, emphasizing the benefits of compile-time checks in C++. By leveraging compile-time validation, developers can catch errors and enforce constraints before the code is even executed, enhancing both safety and correctness. A functional programming approach to compile-time validation will be discussed, highlighting its benefits and demonstrating its application in ensuring code correctness. Moreover, the talk will delve into the realm of compile-time unit tests, showcasing how they enable developers to validate code behavior at compile time, paving the way for more efficient debugging and maintenance. Exploring advanced features, we'll discuss existing compile-time techniques to implement lifetimes, borrow checker, and other validation rules by leveraging template metaprogramming for memory safety and how they can be improved with the upcoming C++26 reflection proposal. Additionally, we will review language extensions and compiler-specific features that augment compile-time validation capabilities. Finally, the talk will cover the role of static analysis tools in detecting potential issues early in the development process, thus complementing compile-time techniques. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various strategies available for enhancing program reliability through compile-time validation in C++. --- Alon Wolf is a Senior Software Engineer at Medtronic specializing in 3D and computer graphics with a passion for high performance. He has developed many custom simulation and rendering engines for different platforms using modern C++. He also writes a C++ technical blog and participates in game jams.
