Python Formatted C Converter (PfCC)

[Glyph Lefkowitz]

"Alex McHale" <daimun at home.com> writes:

>   The project is, as I call it, a Python Formatted C Converter.  What this
> means, is that it takes a python-style coded C program and converts it into
> compilable C code.  For example, consider this bastardized looking simple
> program below:

I have actually had very similiar ideas myself :) however, the project
I'm working on (still in its infantile stages; I basically have
'struct' working and nothing else) is not just to make a translator,
but to write a new language which allows C to be interfaced with other
languages.

The basic idea is to create a parser (not a preprocessor) which will
have most of the functionality of C built-in, then develop extensions
which can interface with other object-models available in C.  The
"compiler" (which generates C, C++, or Objective C code) is a
type-oriented language.

There would be built-in type-oriented polymorphism, and an
overloadable "." operator, making an explicit distinction between
run-time and compile-time dispatch.

Basically it's going to be a playground for certain theories I have
about object-orientation and high-level languages.  However, I have to
agree with the other posters in that writing *JUST* a preprocessor is
a bad idea.  At least make your preprocessor smart enough that it'll
spot errors in the code before it opts to generate the C; there are
few things more annoying than figuring out why the code will generate
OK, but the *generated* code won't compile.

(Also, there's the fact that C's syntax is actually pretty good for
doing what C does)

-- 
Glyph Lefkowitz
Professional -- Software Engineer,  Origin Systems
Amateur      -- Computer Scientist, Twisted Matrix Enterprises
(My opinions are my own and do not reflect in any way on the policies
or practices of my employer, etcetera etcetera.)