Rvalue References Applied

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A continuation of a series of blog entries that documents the design and implementation process of a library. The library is called, Network Alchemy[^]. Alchemy performs automated data serialization with compile-time reflection. It is written in C++ using template meta-programming.

My previous entry was a condensed overview on rvalue references. I described the differences between value expressions and types. I also summarized as much wisdom as I could collect regarding how to effectively use move semantics and perfect-forwarding. After I completed the essay, I was eager to integrate move semantics for my serialization objects in Alchemy. This entry is a journal of my experience optimizing my library with rvalue references.

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C++: Rvalue References

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Rvalue references were introduced with C++11, and they are used to implement move semantics and perfect-forwarding. Both of these techniques are ways to eliminate copies of data parameters for efficiency. There is much confusion around this new feature that uses the && operator, because its meaning is often based on the context it is used. It is important to understand the subtleties around rvalue references in order for them to be effective. This entry will teach you how to use the rvalue reference with plenty of live-demonstrations.

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Why Does a CS Degree Require So Much Math?

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Over the years I have heard this question or criticism many times:

Why is so much math required for a computer science degree?

I never questioned the amount of math that was required to earn my degree. I enjoy learning, especially math and science. Although, a few of the classes felt like punishment. I remember the latter part of the semester in Probability was especially difficult at the time. Possibly because I was challenged with a new way of thinking that is required for these problems, which can be counter-intuitive.

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Accidental Complexity

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Accidental complexity is the entropy that exists in your system that is possible to eliminate. The opposite of this is essential complexity; the parts of a system that are required and cannot be simplified. These two concepts were discussed by Fred Brooks in his essay No Silver Bullet -- Essence and Accidents of Software Engineering.. Many systems today are extremely complex, and any effort that can be done to eliminate complexity, should be.

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Alchemy: PackedBits (BitLists Mk3)

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A continuation of a series of blog entries that documents the design and implementation process of a library. The library is called, Network Alchemy[^]. Alchemy performs low-level data serialization with compile-time reflection. It is written in C++ using template meta-programming.

My second attempt to create a bit-field type was more successful. The size of the container only grew linearly with each sub-field that was added, and the implementation was cleaner. However, I showed an image of what this implementation looked like in the debugger and it was very in convenient. The thing I was concerned with the most was the pitiful performance that was revealed by my benchmark tests.

This entry describes my discoveries and the steps that I took to re-invent the bit-field type in Alchemy for the third time. This is also the current implementation in use by Alchemy, which is about 10% faster than hand-coded collection of packed-bits.

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C++: Template Meta-Programming 2.0

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I was amazed after I had converted only the first few portions of the TypeList from the C++98 implementation to Modern C++. I have decided to convert my Alchemy API to use Modern C++ in order to truly learn the nuances by application of acquired knowledge. The code of these meta-programs are very elegant and completely readable. This really does feel like a new language, and an entirely new version of meta-programming.

The elegance enabled by the new constructs will allow me to present a complete TypeList implementation for Modern C++ in this entry.

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