[REBOL] Compiler for Rebol ? Re:(8)
From: lmecir:geocities at: 24-Sep-2000 22:01
Well, let me throw in some thoughts.
I think, that the debate started to look more abstract than I prefer. My
comments are:
1) Rebol is IMHO designed with the runtime code accessibility in mind
(inspired by Lisp), so I do not think, there's an easy way to convert that
feature to its opposite.
2) I prefer the speed when compilation is considered, the source code
protection is only a minor effect surely achievable by more direct means
(discussed by Joel some time ago).
2a) When I look at the development in processor speeds (GHz looking as
standard for year 2001 processors) and the neverstopping need to increase
processor speeds, it is surely less preferable to write programs 100 or more
times slower than C in some cases, so the speed is something any language
including Rebol could use.
2b) Rebol with its mutable values used to store code radically differs even
from Lisp, that uses immutable series for that AFAIK. That fact has
immediate consequences - Self Modifying Code looks as standard - even some
basic Rebol constructs are modifying, eg:
2ba) Use - modifies its (code) block argument (this causes even "unexpected"
behaviour when recursive functions are called) and causes its code block
argument very hard to compile when speed is the goal
2bb) Make object! - modifies its (code) block argument - see above
2bc) Bind - modifying, as opposed to Bind/copy, which behaves better
2bd) any mutables contained in the code aren't protected against change - no
compilation advantage
2be) the code block can easily modify itself - a feature making compilation
almost impractical
Not trying to criticize, just to discuss the possibilities. What do you
think?
Ladislav
