While not yet finalized, the C23 standards are expected to be published on April 1, 2024. This article provides an overview of the key features, improvements, and changes that developers can expect with C23 based on early drafts.
Core Features Coming in C23
Some of the major additions planned for C23 include:
Modules – C will finally get native support for modular programming, allowing code to be organized into reusable modules with clear interfaces. This brings C in line with other modern languages.
Contract Programming – Functions can specify preconditions and postconditions to better document expectations and constraints. This enables compile-time safety checks.
Enhanced Library – Upgrades to the C standard library are planned, including new containers like std::string and std::vector for strings and dynamic arrays.
Performance – New keywords like `likely` and `unlikely` give the compiler optimization hints via branch probability attributes.
Security – Bounds-checking features will help eliminate buffer overflows. Updates to pointers, bounds checking, and dynamic allocation improve safety.
Compatibility – Extensive effort is being made to ensure C23 remains compatible with existing C code, making transitioning easy.
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How C23 Fits into the Evolution of C
C was first developed in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie as part of Unix. Since then it has seen revisions in 1990 (C90), 1999 (C99), 2011 (C11), and now 2023 with C23 on the horizon.
With each iteration, C gets updated capabilities while retaining its core focus on high performance and low-level control. C23 will carry this legacy forward with enhancements like contract programming for safety-critical systems.
The C standards process also aims to minimize breaking changes. The majority of existing C code bases should compile with little to no modifications under C23.
Why C23 Matters for the Future of C
Upgrades in C23 will help C retain its stance as a top systems programming language moving forward. Features like modules and contract programming help bolster C’s support for large-scale codebases and complex applications.
The enhanced standard library also brings C up to speed with data structures expected in a modern language. This increased built-in functionality allows C programmers to write safer and more robust systems code.
C23 demonstrates that C still has room to grow and improve while holding true to the spirit of performance, control, and generality that made C ubiquitous. The future is bright for C as it embraces modern trends.
With the pending release of C23, the next version of the iconic C programming language is set to arrive. C23 delivers incremental but meaningful improvements that will keep C competitive and relevant for the next decade of systems programming.
Frequently Asked Questions About C23
What is the expected release date for C23?
The target release date for the C23 standards was April 1, 2024, but it has been moved to November 2023. This may shift again, but it gives a sense of the timeframe.
How is C23 different than C11?
C23 builds on C11 with new capabilities like modules, contract programming, an upgraded standard library, and security improvements like bounds checking.
Will C code need much changing to work with C23?
The C standards committee focuses on backward compatibility. Most existing C code should work without modifications. Some updates may be needed over time.
What are core C23 features developers should know?
Modules for modular programming, contract programming for validation, enhanced standard library, and security improvements are some of the key enhancements in C23 to know.
Will C23 replace C11?
C23 will supplement C11 as the latest standard version. C11 and even older standards will continue to be supported for a long time after C23 is published.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The upcoming C23 standards release will mark a major milestone for the C programming language. Key takeaways include:
- C23 adds long-awaited features like modules and contract programming to C.
- The standards update focuses on compatibility for easy transitioning from C11.
- C23 provides modern improvements while retaining C’s core strengths.
- Publication of C23 standards is expected around April 2024.
C23 demonstrates that C still has room to evolve and grow as a top systems language.
The future remains bright for C programming with the groundwork being laid in C23 for the next era of C language standards.
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Much of what's mentioned as core features coming in C23 is about C++.