Does Unreal Use C++20?
Direct Answer:
Unreal Engine compiles with a language version of C++20 by default, and requires a minimum version of C++17 to build. This means that Unreal Engine takes advantage of the modern features and improvements introduced in C++20, while still being backward compatible with earlier versions of the language.
Features of C++20:
C++20, also known as C++20, is the latest standard of the C++ programming language, released in 2020. Some of the key features and improvements introduced in C++20 include:
- Coroutines: Coroutines are a new way of writing asynchronous code that makes it easier to write programs that can handle multiple tasks concurrently.
- Range-based for loops: The range-based for loop allows you to iterate over arrays, vectors, and other containers in a more readable and efficient way.
- Concepts: Concepts are a new way of specifying the requirements for functions and classes, making it easier to write generic code that is more flexible and reusable.
- constexpr: The constexpr keyword allows you to evaluate expressions at compile-time, making it possible to write more efficient and predictable code.
- Modules: C++20 introduces a new way of organizing and compiling code called modules, which makes it easier to manage large and complex projects.
Impact on Unreal Engine:
The adoption of C++20 in Unreal Engine brings several benefits, including:
- Improved performance: C++20’s modern features and improvements can lead to faster and more efficient code, which can improve the overall performance of the engine.
- Enhanced concurrency: The support for coroutines in C++20 can make it easier to write concurrent and parallel code, which is essential for games and applications that require simultaneous processing.
- Better code readability: The range-based for loop and other features introduced in C++20 can make the code more readable and maintainable, reducing the complexity and improving the overall quality of the engine.
Compatibility with earlier versions of C++:
Unreal Engine also supports earlier versions of C++, including C++14 and C++17, which means that developers can still use the engine to build projects with these older versions of the language.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Unreal Engine takes advantage of the modern features and improvements introduced in C++20, while still being backward compatible with earlier versions of the language. This allows developers to write high-performance, concurrent, and readable code that can take full advantage of the capabilities of modern hardware.
References:
- Unreal Engine documentation
- C++20 standard documentation
- Unreal Engine blog posts and articles