The _M_max_length member variable of _Error_formatter is not configurable. It is currently initialized directly with the value 78, in libstdc++-v3/include/debug/formatter.h . Having this be configurable (using a macro, for example) would nicely follow gcc's -fmessage-length=N example.
-- Summary: _GLIBCXX_DEBUG error message formatter line width not configurable Product: gcc Version: 4.1.1 Status: UNCONFIRMED Severity: enhancement Priority: P3 Component: libstdc++ AssignedTo: unassigned at gcc dot gnu dot org ReportedBy: gcc-bugzilla at contacts dot eelis dot net http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=31518