C++ Support for Applications

The kernel supports applications written in both C and C++. However, to use C++ in an application you must configure the kernel to include C++ support and the build system must select the correct compiler.

The build system selects the C++ compiler based on the suffix of the files. Files identified with either a cxx or a cpp suffix are compiled using the C++ compiler. For example, myCplusplusApp.cpp is compiled using C++.

The kernel currently provides only a subset of C++ functionality. The following features are not supported:

• Dynamic object management with the new and delete operators
• RTTI
• Exceptions
• Static global object destruction

While not an exhaustive list, support for the following functionality is included:

• Inheritance
• Virtual functions
• Virtual tables
• Static global object constructors

Static global object constructors are initialized after the drivers are initialized but before the application main() function. Therefore, use of C++ is restricted to application code.

Note

Do not use C++ for kernel, driver, or system initialization code.