Advancing C++ and automotive open-source

Bosch maintains a deep commitment to fostering an environment of technological excellence and continuous innovation. Its contributions span a vast array of fields, and the C++ programming language serves as a cornerstone of much of its work, particularly in safety-critical and performance-demanding applications. Bosch's active role in shaping the future of C++ is highlighted by its commitment to the recent C++26 standard development, culminating in a WG21 meeting that underscored the language's dynamic evolution.

Participants at the June WG21 meeting extensively discussed and voted upon proposed features and changes for the upcoming C++26 standard, underscoring the vital role of the C++ standard committee (ISO/IEC JTC1 / SC22 / WG21) as the driving force behind the language's evolution.

This meeting was of paramount importance given C++'s pervasive use across various industries. From embedded systems in automotive to high-performance computing in finance and cloud services, C++ is the language of choice for applications demanding efficiency, control, and reliability. Inside Bosch, C++ underpins critical systems within the Automotive Cross-Domain Computing Solutions, Powertrain Solutions, and Business Development divisions. Globally, companies like Bloomberg, Facebook/Meta, and Google similarly rely on C++ for their core functionalities. The decisions made at the WG21 meeting directly influence the capabilities and direction of the C++ that these industry leaders, including Bosch, will leverage in the years to come.

One long-awaited major feature that was voted into the committee draft was “Reflection”. This powerful feature can be used to write interfaces to other languages, it can simplify implementations and even speed up the compilation process.

For Bosch, the evolution of C++ is not merely an observational exercise; it’s an active engagement. The C++26 standard represents an opportunity for the company to harness new features that enhance performance, simplify development, and improve the robustness of software. Furthermore, with the increasing involvement in the standardization process, Bosch now holds a crucial vote, allowing to actively advocate for features that align with strategic needs and, equally importantly, to raise concerns or propose modifications if a particular feature presents challenges for specific use cases.
The next immediate step in the standardization journey is the "Committee Draft." This draft is now finalized, and the period for submitting issues has concluded. They will be reviewed at the subsequent WG21 meeting in Kona, Hawaii. This ongoing feedback loop underscores the collaborative and iterative nature of language standardization.

Beyond direct committee involvement, Bosch supported together with Chaos, Man Group and NVIDIA a fringe event related to the WG21 meeting. The sponsorship served a dual purpose: to foster the growth of the C++ community and to highlight Bosch's extensive work in the open-source domain, including practical applications of C++ in the automotive sector. This highlights Bosch's dedication not only to utilizing C++ but also to contributing back to the community that nurtures its development. This half-day event featured presentations from both committee and industry representatives, offering a comprehensive look at C++ and its upcoming features. It was an opportunity to engage directly with developers, researchers, and other industry stakeholders, fostering a collaborative ecosystem.

While many of Bosch's automotive projects, by their very nature, remain proprietary, the company’s’ commitment to open-source principles is evident in initiatives like the Eclipse Safe Open Vehicle Core (S-CORE). The project, a significant open-source endeavor to which ETAS and Bosch Mobility contribute, is rapidly gaining traction.
S-CORE is an open-source framework designed to accelerate the development of software-defined vehicles. It provides a common basis for automotive software, fostering collaboration across the industry and reducing development cycles. Importantly, C++ plays a crucial role within S-CORE, leveraging its performance and control capabilities to power the sophisticated functionalities required for modern automotive systems. Its recent prominence further emphasizes its impact on the open-source landscape within the automotive sector, signaling a shift towards greater collaboration and shared development. This intensified commitment to open-source in automotive, spearheaded by German automakers, has been significantly underscored by the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, a key development demonstrating a unified industry effort to drive innovation through shared development.

The active participation in the C++ standardization process, coupled with the commitment to open-source initiatives like S-CORE, demonstrates Bosch's proactive approach to shaping the technological landscape. Bosch looks forward to harnessing the full potential of C++26 and continuing its contributions to the broader C++ community.