C++ in constrained environments

Think modern C++ is too heavy for embedded systems? This talk proves how new features can actually improve performance and safety in constrained environments.

#1about 5 minutes

Debunking common myths about C++ in constrained systems

Common misconceptions, such as needing to learn C first or that using a C-style subset is most efficient, are addressed to set the stage for modern C++ practices.

#2about 6 minutes

The onion principle and the C++ memory model

Design code using the onion principle by starting with clean, high-level interfaces and only peeling back layers of abstraction when performance tuning is necessary.

#3about 3 minutes

Understanding resource management with RAII

Resource management is the key to reliable C++, using constructors for acquisition and destructors for predictable, automatic release of resources like memory or threads.

#4about 8 minutes

Using modern language features for safer code

Replace unsafe, low-level constructs like unions and pointer-size pairs with safer, more expressive alternatives like `std::variant` and `std::span`.

#5about 7 minutes

Shifting computation from runtime to compile time

Improve performance and correctness by moving computations to compile time using `constexpr` functions, move semantics, and libraries like `std::chrono`.

#6about 6 minutes

Applying the C++ Core Guidelines for safety

The C++ Core Guidelines provide a framework for writing modern, safe code by starting with the full language and using libraries to encapsulate and restrict unsafe features.

#7about 12 minutes

Choosing the right error handling strategy

Adopt a clear policy for error handling by using error codes for expected, local failures and exceptions for rare, non-local errors that require a guaranteed handler.

#8about 6 minutes

Writing safe concurrent code and avoiding data races

Avoid undefined behavior from data races in concurrent code by using the C++ memory model, atomics for synchronization, and higher-level abstractions like threads and locks.

#9about 7 minutes

Q&A on local error handling and C++23 features

The speaker answers audience questions about testing for locally handled errors and discusses the expected features and delays for the C++23 standard.