SGV Linux Users Group: The Young Man and the C

Join us for dinner and a presentation by our own Dustin Laurence. Dinner begins around 7 pm and the presentation will start after most people have received their food or 8 pm, whichever comes first. Buying dinner is optional.

The Young Man and the C Reloaded

What if I told you that most or all nontrivial C and C++ programs you have ever written were just illusions? Most such programs contain undefined behavior, and undefined behavior is at the heart of most C and C++ security problems, yet few programmers understand how far down that rabbit hole goes. We will swallow the red pill and study the nature and extent of undefined behavior in C and C++, techniques for writing more secure, reliable C and C++ in spite of the reality of undefined behavior and other mischief, and little-used compiler flags and other tools to detect and/or eliminate bugs.

About Dustin

Intending to become a programmer ("developer" hadn't been invented by the marketing department yet), Dustin got sidetracked and spent more time than he cares to admit doing theoretical physics, a background filled with continuous mathematics almost entirely irrelevant to computer science. He eventually returned to his original love of programming, and though they probably won't admit it currently hacks code for Whitemoon Dreams, Inc. He avoids social media for the same reason he doesn't do crack cocaine.

About the SGVLUG

SGVLUG is one of the oldest and most active Linux User Groups in the Greater Los Angeles area. In addition to Linux, the group also shares interests in other free and open source software, all forms of technology, and the discussion of issues that arise with the these new tools, such as privacy rights. SGVLUG attracts members from throughout LA County including Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and eastward throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Our members include software developers, system administrators, hardware engineers, and software users of all levels of experience. Many work in the technology field as employees, contractors or consultants, and enjoy the learning and networking opportunities available from the group. We also have many members that serve as volunteers of their time and skills at various local events, including the annual Southern California Linux Expo (SCaLE).