The Real Problem with C++

Is C++ really as unsafe as its reputation suggests, or is the real problem how we use it? In this episode of The Curious Developer, Jesper Pedersen (KDAB) sits down with Klaus Iglberger, author of "C++ Software Design Patterns," to discuss the challenges and misconceptions around modern C++ programming. Klaus argues that C++ can be incredibly safe—if used with the right mindset and modern techniques. The conversation dives into why the C++ community is wary of pointers, the importance of using standard algorithms over hand-written loops, and why outdated teaching materials perpetuate myths about the language’s safety.

They also explore practical strategies for modernizing large legacy codebases, the role of AI tools in refactoring, and the balance between deep technical knowledge and good software architecture. Klaus shares advice for continuous learning, the value of up-to-date books and resources, and why keeping code simple is often the best path to fewer bugs and easier maintenance.

Whether you’re an experienced C++ developer or just starting out, this interview offers valuable insights into writing safer, more maintainable C++ code — and why the biggest challenge might just be changing how we think about the language.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome
01:40 Why call your presentation “The Real Problem of C++”?
03:02 Where does the problem come from?
05:23 How many people are learning modern C++? What's the problem with the material available?
06:41 Is the C++ language the issue?
07:07 Which books can help? 07:49 How much time should people spend learning?
10:54 Why are pointers so tricky? 12:38 How do you modernize old C++ code?
15:39 How do you update a widely used library such as Qt?
17:14 What is Type Erasure?
20:17 Why focus on design over details?

Links:

• Klaus Iglberger's book on screen and in the video description
• Bjarne Stroustrup's episode from the same series
• Frances Buontempo's book
• Robert C. Martin's book
• Martin Fowler's book
• Klaus Iglberger's CppCon 2021 talk Type Erasure - A Design Analysis
• Jason's Turner's episode from the same series
• All videos from The Curious Developer series

About the guest:
Klaus Iglberger is a freelance C++ trainer and consultant. He is passionate talking about clean, safe and maintainable C++ and shares his expertise in popular C++ courses — from beginner to advanced — all around the world. He is the author of C++ Software Design, one of the organizers of the Munich C++ user group, and the (co-)organizer of the Back-to-Basics and Software Design tracks at CppCon.