This talk was recorded at NDC TechTown in Kongsberg, Norway. #ndctechtown #ndcconferences #developer #softwaredeveloper    

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#cplusplus 

C++ has many problems: issues with memory safety, bounds safety, type safety, and especially undefined behavior — to just name a few. However, while this may be true for old C++ standards, today we already have wonderful solutions: ranges, value semantics, strong types, concepts, constexpr, … Using those makes it almost impossible to experience problems with these safety issues. So the question is: why do C++ developers still experience problems and why is C++ still perceived as problematic?

In this talk, we will focus on what really goes wrong in the C++ industry. We’ll talk about the 10% bubble, i.e. the fact that the vast majority of “C++ developers” is not fully aware of the state of the art and does not use the recommended tools and features. We’ll take a look at the reason why current teaching material
is not consequently updated to the newest best practices. And finally, we’ll consider the lack of investment into good programmers. Although initially it may sound like a legacy problem, we’ll come to realize that C++ has a people problem.

"No matter what they tell you, it's a people problem" (Gerald Weinberg)

NDC Conferences

C++ has a safety problem, but it's primarily a mindset and education issue rather than a fundamental language flaw. The language provides powerful tools for writing safe code: ranges eliminate bound safety issues, constexpr catches undefined behavior at compile time, strong types with constraints ensure type safety, and value semantics prevent lifetime problems. These solutions have existed for years, yet many developers still write "classic C++" using raw loops, pointers, and inheritance hierarchies. The real challenge is that only a small fraction of C++ developers (estimated 1-10%) actively learn modern best practices through conferences, books, and online resources. Better education, tooling enforcement, and community advocacy are needed to spread modern C++ practices beyond the bubble of engaged developers.

The Real Problem of C++ - Klaus Iglberger - NDC TechTown 2025