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c++functionnoexcept

Enforce "noexcept" on std::function?


This code compiles and runs, throwing the int:

#include <functional>

void r( std::function<void() noexcept> f ) { f(); }

void foo() { throw 1; }

int main()
{
    r(foo);
}

However I would like the compiler to reject the line r(foo); because r should only be passed a noexcept function. The noexcept specifier appears to be ignored. Is there any way to achieve that?

Edit: This question is different to Is knowledge about noexcept-ness supposed to be forwarded when passing around a function pointer? because I am asking for a remedy, specifically in the case of std::function.


Solution

  • I've also stumbled across this problem. My solution was to use a delegating object (delegating to the std::function). The delegate has a no-except specification. It could still be improved (move added, etc.).

    Here it goes:

    #include <functional>
    
    template <class FuncT>
    struct NoExceptDelegate;
    
    template <class R, class ... Args >
    struct NoExceptDelegate<R(Args...)>
    {
        NoExceptDelegate(std::function<R(Args...)>&& callback)
          : callback_(move(callback))
        {
            if (!callback_)
            {
                throw std::invalid_argument( "NoExceptDelegate requires a valid callback");
            }
        }
    
        template <class...ArgsU>
        R operator()(ArgsU&&... args) noexcept
        {
            return callback_(std::forward<ArgsU>(args)...);
        }
    
      private:
          std::function<R(Args...)> callback_;
    };
    

    This is typically used as a contract in an asynchronous interface to indicate that the provided handler shall not throw e.g.:

    struct Interface
    {
        virtual void doSomethingAsynchronous(
            NoExceptDelegate<void(int)> onCompletionResult) = 0;
        //...etc
    };
    

    As the client is the callback provider, NoExceptDelegate is a promise from the provider that provided shall not fail. The provider should ensure that at least std::function provided is callable.