C3 is a new programming language designed as a modern alternative to C. It aims to be safer and easier to use while maintaining C's performance and low-level control. Key features include optional memory safety through compile-time checks and garbage collection, improved syntax and error messages, and built-in modularity. The project is actively under development and includes a self-hosting compiler written in C3. The goal is to provide a practical language for systems programming and other performance-sensitive domains while mitigating common C pitfalls.
A new programming language named C3 has been introduced as a potential alternative to C. The project, hosted on GitHub, aims to provide a language that addresses some of C's perceived shortcomings while retaining its strengths, particularly its performance characteristics and low-level control. The developers emphasize C3's focus on being a practical language for systems programming, game development, and other performance-sensitive applications.
C3 borrows heavily from C in terms of syntax and semantics, providing a familiar environment for C programmers. However, it introduces several modern features and enhancements designed to improve developer productivity, code safety, and maintainability. These enhancements include optional garbage collection, compile-time function evaluation, improved error handling mechanisms, and native support for generics. The goal is to offer a more robust and expressive language that minimizes common C pitfalls like memory leaks and dangling pointers, without sacrificing the fine-grained control that makes C so powerful.
The C3 compiler, c3c, is itself written in C3, demonstrating a commitment to bootstrapping and showcasing the language's capabilities. The project is actively being developed and is currently considered experimental. While not yet production-ready, it offers a glimpse into a potential future for C-like languages, incorporating modern language features while retaining the core principles that have made C a cornerstone of systems programming for decades. The language aims to strike a balance between performance and productivity, appealing to developers who value both speed and a more modern development experience. The GitHub repository provides source code, documentation, and examples to explore the language's features and contribute to its development.
Summary of Comments ( 98 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43569724
HN users discuss C3's goals and features, expressing both interest and skepticism. Several question the need for another C-like language, especially given the continued development of C and C++. Some appreciate the focus on safety and preventing common C errors, while others find the changes too drastic a departure from C's philosophy. There's debate about the practicality of automatic memory management in systems programming, and some concern over the runtime overhead it might introduce. The project's early stage is noted, and some express reservations about its long-term viability and community adoption. Others are more optimistic, praising the clear documentation and expressing interest in following its progress. The use of Python for the compiler is also a point of discussion.
The Hacker News post about the C3 programming language generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing interest and raising relevant points. Several threads of conversation emerged around the language's features and goals.
One prominent thread discussed C3's approach to memory management. Some users questioned the decision to retain manual memory management, a common source of bugs in C, while others defended it as crucial for performance and control. The discussion explored various aspects of manual memory management, including its complexity, its benefits in certain contexts, and the potential for memory leaks. Some commenters suggested alternative approaches, such as incorporating features like borrow checking from Rust or offering optional garbage collection.
Another significant thread focused on C3's compatibility with existing C code. Some users emphasized the importance of seamless interoperability, allowing developers to gradually integrate C3 into existing projects, while others highlighted the challenges of achieving full compatibility while also introducing new language features. There was some discussion about the level of compatibility C3 aimed for and the practical implications for migration and code reuse.
The language's syntax and overall design also drew comments. Some users appreciated the efforts to modernize C while preserving its familiar feel, while others expressed skepticism about the necessity of a new language or suggested improvements to specific language constructs. There was discussion comparing C3's syntax to other languages like Go and Rust, and some commenters offered specific suggestions for improving readability or reducing boilerplate.
Several commenters also touched on the development status and community around C3. Some inquired about the language's maturity, tooling, and documentation, while others expressed interest in contributing to the project. The topic of community building and the importance of attracting developers and users was briefly discussed.
In addition to these broader themes, there were individual comments raising more specific points, such as questions about the language's performance characteristics, its target use cases, and the rationale behind certain design choices. Some commenters provided links to related projects or resources, and others shared their personal experiences with similar languages or tools.