/joe

Compiler for a Java-like language

Primary LanguagePython

The aim is a language that satisfies the following criteria:

  • Compiles to decent native code with minimal runtime
  • Can build abstractions with reasonably-low cost
  • Automatic memory management
  • Feels familiar and comfy (if you're familiar with C-like languages)
  • Simple nominal type system with generics
  • Few constraints on code organization (multiple classes in a file pls)
  • Predictable performance and behaviour
  • Easy dynamic dispatch

Preview:

interface Xyz<T, U> extends Zyx<T> {
    U somemeth(T arg);

    T hello() {

    }
}

interface Zyx<T> {}

class Abc<T: String> implements Xyz<T, Integer> {
    String yo;

    Abc() {
    }

    void method(Integer a) {
    }
}

Goals:

  • Simple but "legit" in language design and implementation
  • No class inheritance; just interfaces
  • Interface method default implementation
    • Like a method where "this" is generic, constrained by the interface
  • No boxing
    • A class with a single "final" field requires no heap allocation
    • Objects have no intrinsic identity
  • Refcount GC
    • Can opt out as a type modifier (have yet to think this through)
  • No dependencies
  • Some optimization

Compiler plan:

  1. Parsing
  2. Type checking/semantic analysis
  3. Lower to hybrid IR (CFG + linear SSA), similar to LLVM
  4. Optimize somewhat
  5. Lower to machine code