
C++26: The Most Influential Release Since C++11, Microsoft Architect Reveals
Explore how C++26 is set to revolutionize the language with groundbreaking features in reflection and security, marking the most significant evolution since C++11, as revealed by former Microsoft Visual C++ architect Herb Sutter.
C++26: A New Era for Modern C++
After 22 years of working in the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler team, Herb Sutter, Chair of the ISO C++ Standards Committee, announced his departure from Microsoft and joined Citadel Securities as a technical researcher. Despite this transition, his commitment to C++ remains unwavering as he continues his role as Chair of both the ISO C++ standards committee and the Standard C++ Foundation.
The Significance of C++26
Sutter emphasizes that 2024 marks a crucial year for C++. The ISO committee has, for the first time, adopted (or will soon adopt) a C++ standard draft targeting two major improvements:
- Reflection
- Security
"I once said in my speech at CppCon that the next decade of C++ will be dominated by improvements focused on 'reflection' and 'security,' and C++26 is indeed expected to become the most influential version since the beginning of the new era with C++11."
The Evolution from C++11
According to Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of C++, C++11 transformed C++ into a modern programming language by introducing:
auto
and lambda expressions- Standard secure smart pointers
- Range-
for
and move semantics constexpr
for compile-time code execution
Since 2011, the language has evolved through C++14/17/20/23, but C++11 remained the defining moment for modern C++.
C++26 Development Schedule
C++ versions follow a 3-year cycle, with version numbers reflecting their release years. Last June, Sutter announced the comprehensive schedule for C++26.
Security Concerns and Industry Response
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and FBI have recently highlighted concerns about memory-unsafe languages like C/C++. Their "Product Security Bad Practices" guide emphasizes:
Key Security Requirements
- Memory safety roadmap required by January 1, 2026
- Priority focus on network-oriented code and sensitive operations
- Systematic prevention of memory security vulnerabilities
- Demonstration of significant vulnerability reduction
Security Features Focus
The new standard emphasizes:
- Default security measures
- First-class support for reflection-based compile-time libraries
- Enhanced memory safety features
Looking Forward
C++26 represents more than just another iteration of the language. It marks a fundamental shift towards:
- Enhanced security by default
- More powerful metaprogramming through reflection
- Better development experience while maintaining performance
This release promises to be as transformative as C++11 was in its time, setting the stage for the next decade of C++ development.
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