How C++ Actually Works
Hands-On With Compilation, Memory, and Runtime
Available to book as an 8 hour workshop split over two half day sessions on the following dates
If you have ever seen a C++ bug that disappears during debugging, appears only with optimizations enabled, or behaves differently across compilers, you have already encountered the limits of the C++ abstract machine. Such issues usually stem from implicit assumptions about how C++ code is laid out, translated, and executed – assumptions that are not guaranteed by the standard but are nevertheless relied on in real-world systems.
This workshop examines the gap between what the C++ standard specifies and how real implementations behave. Through live demonstrations and hands-on exercises, participants develop a practical mental model of C++ program execution, learning how language constructs map to runtime behavior and where implementation details influence correctness, portability, and performance. The emphasis is on building transferable mental models and reasoning skills that help experienced developers identify fragile assumptions and validate them when debugging, optimizing, or reviewing production C++ code.
Assaf Tzur-El
Assaf is a veteran software development consultant with 30 years of industry experience, specializing in organizational transformation and developer excellence. He helps development organizations optimize their processes, reduce friction, and enhance both code quality and developer growth.
With experience ranging across the technical spectrum – from hands-on developer to CTO – Assaf brings battle-tested insights into building high-performing engineering teams. He actively shares his expertise through consulting engagements, technical courses, and speaking at conferences and meetups worldwide.
When he's not optimizing code or dev processes, Assaf volunteers as a judge in a robotics competition, mentors the next generation of developers, and reluctantly stays up-to-date with TikTok trends courtesy of his kids.
Attend The Workshop Taster - 11th - 13th March
If you are unsure or want a better understanding of how the workshop works in practice, then you can attend a taster session for this workshop by purchasing a ticket for the main conference which will run over 3 days from 11th-13th March and which will feature over 25 C++ talks.
You can upgrade your main conference ticket to a workshop ticket at no extra cost compared to purchasing the workshop ticket directly!
The workshop taster is designed to provide you with a preview/overview of this workshop where you will also have an opportunity to ask questions. In addition, the workshop preview will be made available on-demand for you to watch at your own convenience.
Register For The Workshop!
Alternatively, if you already believe this workshop is right for you, then you can register for the workshop now by purchasing one of the tickets below
All workshop tickets also include FREE access to the C++Online Main Conference running March 11th-13th and which will feature over 25 talks.
If you want to attend MORE than one workshop, then please purchase your tickets from the registration page
Privacy Notice
Please note that the email address that you use for registration will be shared with the instructor so that if needed they can contact you on matters relating to the workshop before, during or after it takes place.
Cancellation Policy
Purchased tickets may be cancelled for a full refund, less a 5% processing fee, up to four weeks before the event.
From four weeks to five days before the event the cancellation fee is 40%.
During the last five days before the event the cancellation fee is 80%.
If you have any questions or need more information regarding anything relating to ticketing, please contact [email protected]
Payment methods
Ticketing is provided by Tito and credit card processing by Stripe. Please note that all ticket sales using this form include UK VAT. For alternate payment methods, or invoices, please contact us.
If you are paying on behalf of an EU or EC company with a reverse charge VAT arrangement with the UK then it is especially important to contact us first.
Other Available C++Online Workshops
