Explore the intricacies of C++ library design in this comprehensive conference talk from C++Now 2015. Delve into the lesser-known aspects of the language that influence standard library design and implementation. Learn why seemingly minor details become crucial when creating libraries for general use, and how they can impact user experience. Discover the importance of exception safety in copy constructors, uncover the hidden reference-counted string type in the standard library, and understand the unexpected connections between these topics. Gain valuable insights into writing robust, generic code for C++ libraries, with a focus on avoiding unexpected behaviors that could surprise users. Access accompanying slides for a deeper understanding of the concepts presented in this informative session by Alisdair Meredith.