Compilers (for C and C++) typically provide mechanisms to control padding and other layout requirements as necessary to make this work. It's not that unusual i

Compilers (for C and C++) typically provide mechanisms to control padding and other layout requirements as necessary to make this work. It's not that unusual in C and C++ code to define a struct that has a specific and well-defined memory layout. It's kosher, as long as you accept that you're working with a specific set of real compilers and use the appropriate #pragmas or other controls as needed to avoid undefined behaviour.