Contracts in C++26 - An Insider's Overview

Explore the groundbreaking addition of contracts to C++26 in this conference talk from C++ on Sea 2025. Learn about the Contracts MVP (Minimal Viable Product) that was finally voted into the C++26 standard after two decades of development efforts, following confirmation at the February 2026 WG21 meeting in Hagenberg, Austria. Discover the key highlights of the MVP feature and gain insights into potential future contract capabilities that may also be included in C++26. Shift focus from theoretical foundations to practical implementation details, examining specific minutiae and common pitfalls encountered during the complex development process of this long-awaited feature. Understand the most critical aspects that future contracts users need to know, including real-world considerations and best practices. Benefit from insider knowledge shared by Andrei Zissu, a WG21 C++ Standards Committee member actively involved in the contracts study group (SG21), who provides firsthand experience from the standardization process. Receive updates on the latest developments from the Sofia WG21 meeting and gain perspective on how contracts will transform C++ development practices. Access accompanying presentation slides and learn from a veteran cross-industry C++ developer with extensive experience in low-level systems and advanced programming techniques.