Why writing correct C and C++ code is nearly impossible due to undefined behavior
By
lycopodiopsida
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
The article argues that writing completely correct C or C++ code is nearly impossible due to the prevalence of undefined behavior in the languages. The author, a veteran programmer with 30 years of experience, contends that these languages are products of their original environments (1972 for C, 1985 for C++) and are no longer suitable for modern development in 2026. The piece reflects on the inherent unsafety of these languages despite their continued widespread use.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledGive me six lines written by the hand of the most expert C programmer in the world, and I will find enough in them to trigger undefined behavior
Nobody can write correct C, or C++. And I say that as someone who's written C and C++ on an almost daily basis for about 30 years.
C++ has served us well, but it's 2026, and the environment of 1985 (C++) or 1972 (C) is not the environment of today.
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