C++ Standard Library ABI Compatibility

2023/06/26

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The author of this article talks about the importance of ABI (Application Binary Interface) compatibility in C++ standard library. ABI is the interface between two binary program modules, such as a library and its client. ABI compatibility ensures that a library can be used by multiple clients without the need to recompile the library or the clients.

The author argues that ABI compatibility should be a priority for C++ standard library developers, as it can greatly benefit the C++ community. However, achieving ABI compatibility is not an easy task, as it requires careful design and implementation decisions.

The article provides an overview of the current state of ABI compatibility in C++ standard library, highlighting some of the challenges and limitations. It also suggests some possible solutions and improvements, such as better documentation and tooling support.

For developers who want to keep up with the latest news in C++ standard library, understanding ABI compatibility is crucial. It can help them avoid potential compatibility issues and ensure that their code can be easily reused by others.

Here's an example of how to check ABI compatibility using the abi-dumper tool:

abi-dumper /path/to/libstdc++.so.6 -lver=6 -o /tmp/libstdc++.so.6.abi
abi-compliance-checker -l libstdc++.so.6 -dump /tmp/libstdc++.so.6.abi -r 6.0 -s /usr/include/c++/6.0 -l GCC -c /path/to/compat_report.html

Overall, this article serves as a reminder of the importance of ABI compatibility in C++ standard library, and encourages developers to pay attention to this aspect when designing and implementing their libraries.