Building C++ Interfaces That Are Hard to Use Incorrectly

Explore techniques for designing robust C++ library interfaces that minimize user errors and catch common mistakes at compile-time in this comprehensive conference talk from ACCU 2023. Delve into clever uses of the C++ type system to create interfaces that are inherently resistant to misuse, reducing the likelihood of undefined behavior and unpredictable results. Learn to distinguish between different categories of preconditions and leverage the type system to prevent accidental violations at run-time. Examine practical code samples demonstrating how type-based techniques can prevent interface misuse, and consider the trade-offs involved in this approach. Gain insights from Andreas Weis, an experienced automotive software developer and Munich C++ User Group organizer, on creating portable code and exposing complex functionalities through simple, richly-typed interfaces.