Describe std::string copy semantics
Overview
The question evaluates understanding of C++ object and value semantics, specifically knowledge of copy versus move behavior, typical heap allocation versus Small String Optimization, and the C++ standard's position on copy-on-write, within the domain of C++ language and performance semantics.
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Aug 7, 2025, 12:00 AM
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In C++, what happens with std::string when you write: std::string a = "123"; std::string b = a; Describe which operations are invoked (copy construction vs move), typical allocation and Small String Optimization behavior, and why copy-on-write is not required by the standard.