The empire of C++ strikes back with Safe C++ blueprint

The C++ community has introduced the Safe C++ Extensions proposal, aimed at enhancing memory safety in the programming language. This initiative responds to increasing demands from both public and private sectors for developers to produce more secure code, particularly in light of vulnerabilities associated with memory safety flaws like buffer overflows. The proposal, described as revolutionary by C++ Alliance president Vinnie Falco, seeks to integrate memory safety features into C++, addressing criticisms that the language is not inherently designed for such safety. The initiative comes after significant discussions in the tech community about the need for safer programming languages, with Rust often cited as a model due to its performance and memory safety. However, transitioning from C++ to Rust presents challenges due to differences in language features. The Safe C++ project aims to provide similar safety guarantees as Rust while allowing existing C++ code to function without extensive rewrites. The next steps involve collaboration from the industry to refine C++ features for memory safety, with the goal of reducing security vulnerabilities in C++ applications.

- The Safe C++ Extensions proposal aims to improve memory safety in C++.

- The initiative responds to calls from government agencies for more secure coding practices.

- It seeks to provide memory safety features similar to those in Rust without requiring a complete language shift.

- The project emphasizes collaboration within the industry to enhance C++ safety features.

- The proposal addresses long-standing criticisms regarding C++'s vulnerability to memory safety issues.