Taking a Byte Out of C++ - Avoiding Punning by Starting Lifetimes

Explore the concept of marshaling raw bytes into C++ objects in this conference talk from CppCon 2022. Delve into the proposed start_lifetime_as functionality and its potential impact on efficient and correct object creation from bytes. Examine real-world applications in database engine development, focusing on achieving end-to-end zero copy operations. Analyze the progression from raw bytes to C++ objects and heterogeneous streams, while addressing potential pitfalls at each stage. Gain insights from Robert Leahy, an experienced developer and ISO C++ committee member, as he presents solutions to the perennial problem of type punning and object lifetime management in C++.