The NT Insider on C++

I know it’s shocking: a magazine devoted to kernel-mode development talking about C++. I just received my copy of The NT Insider in the (snail) mail. If you’re at WinHEC next week you’ll also get a copy in your conference loot bag. It includes a great article by Edouard Alligand with many helpful tips on using C++ in your kernel driver projects.

I must say I’ve always been opposed to the status quo that C++ is taboo in the kernel. Every kernel driver project I’ve ever started used C++ throughout. You need to be very disciplined but then the alternative is C which requires even more discipline to get right.

I love Edouard’s opening remarks: “The primary duty of a driver is not to break anything” and C++ is really good at helping you do that. As for exceptions, I don’t much like to use exceptions in native C++ in user-mode so it’s not a huge loss in kernel-mode for me, but that’s a topic for another day.

Anyway, pick up a copy of The NT Insider if you’re at all involved in kernel-mode development. It’s published by OSR.

© 2007 Kenny Kerr