C++Now 2019: John Lakos “Value Proposition: Allocator-Aware (AA) Software”
Channel: CppNow
Date: 10/06/2019

http://cppnow.org
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Presentation Slides, PDFs, Source Code and other presenter materials are available at: http://cppnow.org/history/2019/talks/
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The performance benefits of supplying local allocators are well-known and substantial [Lakos, ACCU’17]. Still, the real-world costs associated with orchestrating the integration of allocators throughout a code base, including training, supporting tools, enlarged interfaces (and contracts), and a heightened potential for inadvertent misuse cannot be ignored. Despite substantial upfront costs, when one considers collateral benefits for clients – such as rapid prototyping of alternative allocation strategies – the case for investing in a fully allocator-aware (AA) software infrastructure (SI) becomes even more compelling. Yet there remain many “concerns” based on hearsay or specious conjecture that is either overstated or incorrect. 

In this densely fact-infused talk, we begin by introducing a familiar analogy to drive home the business case for AASI. Next we identify four syntactic styles based on three distinct models: C++11, C++17, and a brand new language-based approach being developed by Bloomberg for C++23 (or later). Costs – both real and imagined – will be contrasted with performance as well as other important (“collateral”) benefits. The talk will conclude with a closer look at the economic imperative of pursuing a low-cost language-based alternative to AA software in post-modern C++.
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John Lakos
Bloomberg
Software Engineering Manager
John Lakos, author of Large-Scale C++ Software Design, serves at Bloomberg LP in New York City as a senior architect and mentor for C++ Software Development world-wide.  He is also an active voting member of the C++ Standards Committee’s Evolution Working Group. Previously, Dr. Lakos directed the design and development of infrastructure libraries for proprietary analytic financial applications at Bear Stearns. For 12 years prior, Dr. Lakos developed large frameworks and advanced ICCAD applications at Mentor Graphics, for which he holds multiple software patents. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Computer Science ('97) and an Sc.D. in Electrical Engineering ('89) from Columbia University. Dr. Lakos received his undergraduate degrees from MIT in Mathematics ('82) and Computer Science ('81). His next book, entitled Large-Scale C++—Volume I: Process and Architecture, is anticipated in 2019.
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Videos Filmed & Edited by Bash Films: http://www.BashFilms.com
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