[REBOL] Re: Rebol > Lisp
From: rgaither:triad:rr at: 12-Feb-2003 15:01
Hi Tim,
> I've been trying to wrap my tiny brain around a similar
> concept for a while:
> Given the advanced text processing and introspective
> qualities of rebol, it might be possible to write
> rebol code that would read rebol code (as a prototype)
> and convert into comparable code in another language.
It certainly is possible and rebol offers the right kind
of flexibility in this area. It is not a trivial task even
with rebol as the tool though.
> It would be easier if the target language had an API
> that accomodated such an effort.
I'm not sure what you mean by this.
> I have a project to do that entails building an
> 'object-oriented' interface in Ansi C (not C++).
If you are going to tackle such a project I would
recommend you review the design of Objective-C.
It has such a simple implementation approach
that it should be a good basis to start from.
http://developer.apple.com/techpubs/macosx/Cocoa/ObjectiveC/index.html
I would ask why though - is the goal to have some
higher level design language that outputs C for
portability or is it just a learning project?
I know there are valid reasons for wanting C as the
end result but such goals always bring up questions
in my mind. Questions that typically lead me to the
opinion that a better option is being overlooked.
There is however a lot of value in identifying the
higher level design language ( Dialect :-) ) that will
address the problem space no matter what the
final solution is.
> My approach to this would be bearing in mind that
> I might want to auto-convert from one language to
> another.
This is an oft sought after, and very elusive goal. It is this
goal, from a different angle - interoperability rather than
generation, that makes Microsoft's CLI/CLR technology
interesting.
I couldn't find a really good link to CLI/CLR specifics in
my two minute google searches. I would appreciate it
it anyone has a nice definitive resource on the topic.
Here is a fluffy starter piece for those interested.
http://www.greymatter.com/Buyers/HardCopy/Issue14/TECHTOPICSs.pdf
> But one has to have means, method, AND motivation.
:-)
FWIW, Rod.
Rod Gaither
[rgaither--triad--rr--com]
336-644-9247
Oak Ridge, NC USA