Nah, we’re not moving.

What this C++23 move semantics interview question tests

This is a medium-difficulty question on modern C++ that probes your understanding of move semantics and the explicit control mechanisms available in C++23 and later standards. It appears in interviews at firms that maintain performance-critical systems where precise intent around object lifetime and transfer is non-negotiable.

The question tests whether you can distinguish between the syntax of passing an rvalue reference and your actual intent regarding whether a move should occur. Specifically, it asks how to signal to the compiler and other developers that despite the parameter type, you do not intend for the receiving function to take ownership or modify the original object. This touches on both the mechanics of move semantics and the discipline of writing self-documenting code.

• Rvalue references and move constructors
• std::move and its semantic implications
• Const correctness and intent signalling
• Modern C++ standard library utilities for controlling transfer semantics