Rust Traits in C++ - How to Get the Benefits of Rust Traits for Runtime Polymorphism in C++

Explore how to implement Rust's trait system in C++ through this 58-minute conference talk from C++ on Sea 2025. Learn about the limitations of traditional C++ runtime polymorphism using inheritance and virtual overrides, including their intrusive nature and inadequate performance in many scenarios. Discover how Rust traits offer a superior approach to runtime polymorphism and how C++'s expressive nature allows you to incorporate this central Rust feature with optimal performance that may even exceed both C++'s normal mechanisms and Rust's native implementation. Follow a step-by-step transformation process starting with C++ and a type erasure library to create the functional equivalent of Rust traits. Gain insights from Eduardo Madrid, a generic programming practitioner with extensive experience as a team leader and tech leader at automated trading firms and consulting, and author of the zoo libraries including Type Erasure and SWAR.