Sean Baxter, known for implementing a borrow checker in C++, discusses addressing safety issues similar to Rust using his Circle compiler. The podcast covers topics like the noisy class, updates on the final keyword, and upcoming conference news. They explore memory safety, unique pointers, move semantics, and transitioning to safe primitives for enhanced safety in C++. The conversation delves into challenges and benefits of incorporating memory safety features through borrow checking and comparing C++ to Rust.
Implementing borrow checker in C++ for memory safety akin to Rust's approach.
Introduction of new mechanics like REL keyword and choice type for memory safety enhancements.
Compiler structure modifications to automate memory safety verification and prevent security vulnerabilities in C++.
Deep dives
Borrowed Checker Implementation in C++
The podcast episode delves into the development of a borrowed checker addition to C++. With a memory-safe C++ toolchain in mind, Sean Baxter discusses replacing the object model and expanding the type system to enhance memory safety. By implementing rigorous memory safety akin to Rust in C++, compatibility with existing code is maintained while ensuring safety during compile-time through analyzed control flow graphs and metadata.
Revolutionizing Memory Safety in C++
Sean Baxter's solution challenges the notion of impossibility in creating a memory-safe subset of C++. By introducing mechanics like the REL keyword for relocation and the choice type for pattern matching, along with semantic safe functions and unsafe opt-outs, a new paradigm of safety by design is envisaged. The proposed system allows the gradual adoption of safe components within existing codebases, encouraging judicious refactoring for systematic safety enhancements.
Compiler Transformations for Safer C++ Code
The podcast details fundamental modifications to the compiler structure to incorporate Sean Baxter's memory safety advancements for C++. Through a newly integrated mid-level IR, control flow graphs with metadata support the borrowed checker and relocation semantics. These compiler transformations signify a shift towards automated memory safety verification, lessening the burden on human programmers for ensuring code soundness.
Implementing Memory Safety Features in C++
Addressing undefined behavior in C++, the podcast discusses the importance of implementing memory safety features to prevent security vulnerabilities. The episode highlights the significance of bounds checking, runtime overhead considerations, and the need for safety in low-level libraries such as cryptography and networking. It stresses the value of opt-in memory safety in C++ to maintain its relevance and competitiveness in the future.
Challenges and Strategies for Memory Safety in C++ Adoption
The podcast explores the challenges and strategies for adopting memory safety features in C++. It delves into the complexities of integrating memory safety enhancements into existing projects, the commercial pressures to ensure safety, and the potential evolution of C++ to remain competitive with languages like Rust. The episode emphasizes the need for industrial strength safe C++ tool chains and the importance of memory safety for different industries and project types, while considering the viability and barriers in transitioning to memory-safe practices.
Sean Baxter joins Timur and Phil. Sean explains how he has managed to implement a borrow checker for C++ in his Circle compiler. In fact his implementation addresses all the same safety issues that Rust addresses.
