ISO C++ Standards Committee Panel Discussion - Hosted by Herb Sutter - CppCon 2023

Join Herb Sutter and the ISO C++ Standards Committee in a lively panel discussion on the evolution of C++, covering topics from complex template metaprogramming to the importance of debugging and community engagement.

Key takeaways
  • As a committee member, one is expected to be impartial and not just represent their own interest.
  • Template metaprogramming is a vast factor in C++’s complexity and should be considered carefully.
  • The ISO C++ Standards Committee Panel Discussion is a place for discussion and debate, not just voting.
  • Debugging compiler-writable memory can be challenging, as it is not typically covered by standard debugging tools.
  • The generic programming concept has been a source of debate and misunderstanding.
  • The Standards Committee is not a place for career advancement, but rather a way to contribute to the development of the language.
  • The C++ committee does not welcome newcomers, as most members have spent decades working on the language.
  • The language is evolving to become more expressive and flexible, but there are still many challenges to overcome.
  • Debugging is an essential skill for any C++ developer, and constructive ideas for improvement are valuable.
  • The C++ language should be more extensible, but sometimes the path to achieving this is not straightforward.
  • The Committee is working on various proposals, including concepts, modules, and executors.
  • Some members may have a day job and volunteer their free time to work on the committee.
  • The C++ Standard is written to be as clear as possible, but it can be challenging to understand and implement.
  • There is no single, correct answer to many C++ programming issues, and the best solution often depends on the context.
  • The library evolution working group aims to make the language easier to use and more productive.
  • Many C++ features have been developed as a result of feedback from users and industry needs.
  • Template metaprogramming is often misunderstood and requires careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits.
  • The Standards Committee aims to balance competing interests and find a consensus among its members.
  • The C++ Standard is not perfect and requires continuous improvement and refinement.
  • The committee’s work is not just about writing code, but also about ensuring that the language remains relevant and useful.
  • C++’s concurrency features are still evolving and need to be improved to make them more efficient and accessible.
  • The C++ language is very powerful and can be used for a wide range of applications, but it also requires careful handling.
  • The C++ community is very active and has many talented developers and researchers contributing to the language.
  • Debugging is an essential skill for any C++ developer, and the language provides many features to help with this.
  • The C++ language is evolving and constantly improving, and its development is influenced by many factors.