Back to Basics: C++ Move Semantics - Andreas Fertig - CppCon 2022

C++ move semantics demystified: learn the basics, understand the pitfalls, and master the art of efficient code with expert Andreas Fertig's presentation at CppCon 2022.

Key takeaways

C++ move semantics: back to basics
2 types of operations: copy/move and assign/move
Move semantics: swap contents, don’t copy
std::move is not a move, it’s a cast to rvalue reference
Copy operations are destructive, move operations are not
When to use move semantics: when you really need a performance win
Move semantics are not for everyone, it’s about implementing your own move operations
std::unique_ptr excels with move semantics
Need to provide own move operations for own classes
Implement move operations carefully to avoid performance regressions
std::move is not a magic solution, it’s a cast
Use std::forward when returning rvalue references from functions
Implement move semantics recursively in containers
Don’t touch a moved-from object, destroy it immediately
std::move does not guarantee performance, it’s just a cast
Use the “you know what you’re doing” rule for move semantics
Don’t use std::move for Lvalues, only for Rvalues

Back to Basics: C++ Move Semantics - Andreas Fertig - CppCon 2022

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