xstd

Xstd, short for "extended standard," is a term used in the context of programming languages, particularly in the C++ ecosystem, to refer to a set of additional features and libraries that extend the capabilities of the standard library. These extensions are not part of the official C++ standard but are provided by third-party libraries or community projects. Xstd aims to fill gaps in the standard library, provide additional functionality, and improve the overall usability of C++.

One of the most well-known xstd libraries is the "GSL" (Guideline Support Library), developed by Microsoft. GSL provides utilities and guidelines for writing safer and more efficient C++ code, aligning with the C++ Core Guidelines. It includes features such as span, not_null, and owner, which help developers avoid common pitfalls like null pointer dereferencing and buffer overflows.

Another notable xstd library is "Boost," a collection of peer-reviewed, portable C++ source libraries. Boost provides a wide range of libraries for tasks such as linear algebra, graph algorithms, and inter-process communication. These libraries are designed to work with standard C++ and can be used alongside other xstd libraries to enhance the functionality of C++ applications.

Xstd libraries are widely used in the C++ community due to their reliability, performance, and adherence to modern C++ practices. They are often integrated into build systems using package managers like Conan or vcpkg, making it easy to include them in projects. However, it's important to note that while xstd libraries can significantly improve the capabilities of C++, they are not part of the official C++ standard and may not be available on all platforms or compilers. Developers should carefully evaluate the compatibility and performance of xstd libraries before incorporating them into their projects.