The blog post "Learning C3" details the author's experience learning the C3 linearization algorithm used for multiple inheritance in programming languages like Python and R. They found the algorithm initially complex and confusing due to its recursive nature and reliance on Method Resolution Order (MRO). Through a step-by-step breakdown of the algorithm's logic and the use of visual aids like diagrams, the author gained a deeper understanding. They highlight how the algorithm prevents unexpected behavior from the "diamond problem" in multiple inheritance by establishing a predictable and consistent method lookup order. The post concludes with the author feeling satisfied with their newfound comprehension of C3 and its importance for robust object-oriented programming.
The blog post entitled "Learning C3" by "Drew DeVault" details the author's recent endeavor to learn the C3 programming language. Motivated by a desire to expand his programming horizons beyond his familiar territory of C and seeking a language more suited to graphical user interface development, DeVault selected C3 after an extensive evaluation of alternatives like Odin, Jai, and Zig. He articulates his specific requirements, including a robust ecosystem, cross-platform compatibility, especially targeting WebAssembly, and the ability to compile to native code. C3's integrated graphical capabilities and apparent focus on desktop application development further solidified its appeal.
DeVault then meticulously chronicles his learning journey, starting with the official C3 tutorial. He expresses initial satisfaction with the language's clarity and user-friendliness, particularly praising the straightforward build process and the readily available documentation. He notes the presence of some minor inconsistencies and the absence of certain anticipated features, such as the lack of array slicing, but emphasizes that these are not significant deterrents. His initial project, a rudimentary "hello world" application with graphical elements, serves as a practical introduction to C3’s graphical capabilities, illustrating its simplicity and effectiveness in creating basic user interfaces.
The post goes on to discuss DeVault's exploration of more advanced C3 concepts. He describes tackling the implementation of a more complex application involving user interaction and event handling. This process exposes him to the nuances of C3's event loop and signal handling mechanisms. While acknowledging a slightly steeper learning curve for these more intricate aspects, DeVault maintains a positive outlook, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the C3 documentation and expressing confidence in his continued progress.
The conclusion of the blog post reiterates DeVault’s overall positive impression of C3. He emphasizes the language’s potential as a powerful tool for building desktop and potentially web applications and anticipates further exploring its capabilities. He also hints at potentially using C3 for future projects, signaling a strong likelihood of continued engagement with the language beyond this initial learning phase. He concludes by inviting readers to share their own experiences with C3, suggesting a desire to foster a community dialogue around the language.
Summary of Comments ( 69 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44125966
HN commenters generally praised the article for its clarity and approachable explanation of C3, a complex topic. Several appreciated the author's focus on practical usage and avoidance of overly academic language. Some pointed out that while C3 is important for understanding multiple inheritance and mixins, it's less relevant in languages like Python which use a simpler method resolution order. One commenter highlighted the importance of understanding the underlying concepts even if using languages that abstract away C3, as it aids in debugging and comprehending complex inheritance hierarchies. Another commenter pointed out that Python's MRO is actually a derivative of C3. A few expressed interest in seeing a follow-up article covering the performance implications of C3.
The Hacker News post titled "Learning C3" with the ID 44125966 has several comments discussing the linked blog post about learning the C3 linearization algorithm.
Several commenters discuss their experiences with multiple inheritance and the C3 algorithm specifically. One commenter mentions how the complexity of C3 can be a deterrent to using multiple inheritance, leading to simpler designs. Another commenter expresses the sentiment that the need for such a complex algorithm highlights potential design flaws and suggests favoring composition over inheritance.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the practicality and usefulness of multiple inheritance and the C3 algorithm. Some users question the real-world applications and suggest that the complexity outweighs the benefits in most scenarios. Others argue that understanding C3 is crucial when working with languages or frameworks that employ it, such as Python.
One commenter shares a personal anecdote about encountering the C3 algorithm in Python and the challenges they faced debugging related issues. They emphasize the importance of understanding method resolution order (MRO) in such situations.
Another commenter raises the question of whether there are simpler, more intuitive alternatives to C3 for achieving similar functionality.
The comments also touch upon the topic of mixins and traits, exploring their role as alternatives or complements to multiple inheritance. One commenter suggests that focusing on these concepts might be more beneficial than delving into the complexities of C3.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixed perspective on multiple inheritance and the C3 linearization algorithm. While some acknowledge its importance in specific contexts, others express skepticism about its practical value and advocate for simpler design approaches. The discussion highlights the trade-offs between the power and flexibility of multiple inheritance and the potential complexity it introduces.