How do I ensure ABI stability across versions?

Ensuring ABI (Application Binary Interface) stability across versions in C++ is crucial for maintaining compatibility between compiled binaries. Here are several strategies to achieve ABI stability:

  • Use Opaque Pointers: Instead of exposing class definitions in headers, use pointers to a class that is defined in a source file. This hides the implementation details.
  • Avoid Versioning of Classes: Instead of modifying existing classes, create new classes and deprecate the old ones. This way, older binaries remain compatible.
  • Maintain Layout Consistency: Ensure that the memory layout of classes remains unchanged across versions. Do not reorder member variables or change their types.
  • Use Stable Interfaces: Define your public APIs carefully and avoid changing them in ways that would break compiled binaries.

Here is an example of implementing ABI stability using opaque pointers:

class MyClass; // Opaque type declaration extern "C" { MyClass* MyClass_create(); void MyClass_destroy(MyClass* instance); void MyClass_doSomething(MyClass* instance); }

C++ ABI stability binary compatibility versioning opaque pointers public APIs class design

Related Questions

How do I avoid rehashing overhead with std::set in multithreaded code?

How do I find elements with custom comparators with std::set for embedded targets?

How do I erase elements while iterating with std::set for embedded targets?

How do I provide stable iteration order with std::unordered_map for large datasets?

How do I reserve capacity ahead of time with std::unordered_map for large datasets?

How do I erase elements while iterating with std::unordered_map in multithreaded code?

How do I provide stable iteration order with std::map for embedded targets?

How do I provide stable iteration order with std::map in multithreaded code?

How do I avoid rehashing overhead with std::map in performance-sensitive code?

How do I merge two containers efficiently with std::map for embedded targets?