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fla · 2014-11-04 21:29:32

The goal here is to write a compiler that can compile itself.

ForOldHack | karma 346 | avg karma 0.8 · | 2023-09-05 03:20:33

The *point* of a compiler is to compile itself.

spdegabrielle | karma 754 | avg karma 2.77 · | 2016-05-25 20:24:02+00:00

Sometimes you need to write a compiler.

ngrilly | karma 2494 | avg karma 1.68 · | 2015-06-14 16:47:40+00:00

What kind of compiler are you writing? For which language and target?

takeda | karma 6128 | avg karma 2.11 · | 2023-05-23 18:42:27

I would love to see somebody writing a compiler that way.

weberc2 | karma 4751 | avg karma 1.26 · | 2017-11-09 23:04:39+00:00

I'm writing my first compiler now, and it's been quite a learning curve. I've also realized how much nicer my language is for writing compilers than the language in which I'm implementing the compiler. That made me realize I could write the compiler in my language and then write an interpreter for my language which would only need to run once--to generate the compiler--after which point my compiler would be self-hosting. :p

yesimahuman | karma 6064 | avg karma 3.41 · | 2008-12-15 15:32:51

I just finished writing a compiler for a CS class. I was surprised at how logical it ended up being. For me, it really took away a lot of the mystic nature surrounding compilers.

Writing a compiler for a small language with minimal optimization features and an easy to understand assembly/bytecode format is actually relatively straightforward.

reply

andrewflnr | karma 11547 | avg karma 2.11 · | 2015-06-21 04:04:31+00:00

Well, if it reaches a point where it can compile itself, you'll get your compiler written with just one instruction (assuming that's what you were hoping for).

TedDoesntTalk | karma 7450 | avg karma 1.87 · | 2023-01-27 22:12:12

What does it mean for something to be able to compile itself?

dunefox | karma 3033 | avg karma 2.37 · | 2022-05-18 10:06:19

Sure, that makes sense, but you can write a compiler in languages that don't require it themselves. That's what I meant.

xigency | karma 2230 | avg karma 2.48 · | 2016-10-05 16:30:54

I'm looking at writing a compiler for my own language, and I can certainly use ideas for anything that's technically feasible.

stefano | karma 1435 | avg karma 4.98 · | 2009-11-10 21:12:44+00:00

Write an interpreter/compiler for your own little language. With your own garbage collector.

cellularmitosis | karma 2902 | avg karma 2.69 · | 2019-10-21 07:41:28

Working on a compiler? Do tell!

ZaftcoAgeiha | karma 15 | avg karma 3.0 · | 2012-05-12 11:47:20

it's called a compiler :)

metaltyphoon | karma 467 | avg karma 1.25 · | 2024-01-04 23:02:40

Yes but you’re not the one doing it, the compiler is.

hristov | karma 11143 | avg karma 5.48 · | 2015-09-27 15:55:25+00:00

That is called a compiler.

dial9-1 | karma 1 | avg karma 0.04 · | 2022-08-02 15:44:14

every program is a compiler

swah | karma 9711 | avg karma 2.14 · | 2012-08-13 14:53:40+00:00

The obvious solution here is to write a compiler :)

bbcbasic | karma 3059 | avg karma 1.24 · | 2016-10-25 00:08:11

You're writing a compiler! It won't be painless in any language.

lomnakkus | karma 2152 | avg karma 1.6 · | 2014-10-29 21:28:00+00:00

Nah. What you usually want from a compiler is maintainability and correctness. There's also a grand tradition for dogfooding by writing the compiler for language X in language X. If you don't, then how do you know you're actually making progress?