C++26 fails ISO DIS ballot, delaying reflection and contracts features
The ISO DIS ballot for the C++26 standard closed on 23 October 2026 and was disapproved, according to C committee convenor Robert Seacord. He and WG21 Direction Group member Daveed Vandevoorde say no prior C++ standard draft has failed a ballot, or even received a single vote against. The disapproved draft includes reflection, std::execution, library hardening, and contracts, and the length of the resulting delay is not yet known.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
A failed ballot suggests that disagreement over contentious features, particularly contracts, has grown serious enough to block consensus at the ISO level, which could slow adoption of several anticipated C++26 features. The author frames this as part of an ongoing debate about whether contracts were adequately tested before being included, implying the committee may need to revisit design or process before resubmission.
- C++26's DIS ballot was disapproved, an apparently unprecedented outcome for a C++ standard.
- The rejected draft bundles reflection, std::execution, library hardening, and contracts together.
- It is currently unclear how long the standardization delay will last.
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Published there as: “The result of the C++26 DIS ballot”
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