How do I design APIs for ABI stability in high-performance C++?

Designing APIs for ABI (Application Binary Interface) stability in high-performance C++ is crucial for maintaining compatibility across different versions of a library. A stable ABI allows users to upgrade libraries without recompiling their applications, thus conserving both time and resources. Here are some guidelines to achieve ABI stability:

  • Use opaque pointers: Define classes and structures in a way that their internal representations are hidden from the users.
  • Avoid changing data member order: Maintain a fixed order of data members to prevent breaking binary compatibility.
  • Use versioning: Implement versioning in your public API that allows for extensions without breaking existing interfaces.
  • Encapsulate version-specific implementations: Use a pointer-based factory pattern to encapsulate different versions of your implementations.
  • Minimize template usage: Limit the usage of templates in your public API, as they can lead to versioning nightmares.

Here's an example illustrating the use of opaque pointers and versioning in a simple C++ API:

// Opaque pointer definition class MyClass; extern "C" { MyClass* CreateMyClass(); void DestroyMyClass(MyClass* instance); void DoSomething(MyClass* instance); }

C++ ABI stability high-performance API design binary compatibility versioning

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