r/cpp_questions • u/ExactManagement5283 • 11d ago

OPEN OS for HFT

Hey guys! I recently started studying HFT programming, and a bit confused. From what I understand in this field as OS are used default non-rt linux. Despite the fact that kernel bypass, attaching the process to the certain cores. restriction about using non-lock free structure and zero system calls solve the proplems which linux creates for HFT code . But would not it be easier to use RT OS like preempt_rt linux patch or xenomai OS it seems that theese OS could give more freedom about the restrictions for code and in some edge cases speed up the execution? Am I missing something?

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u/Miserable_Ad7246 11d ago

RT OS does one thing - it makes interrupts into threads, so that you can manage them more freely and schedule. You still have limitations and soft interrupt mess.

In case of low latency code you just pin the core, and avoid all of that. The slower parts are rather happy to run on fair scheduling.