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low level language features comparison?

 [1/2] from: petr::krenzelok::trz::cz at: 6-May-2002 20:14


Hi, I just got to the following comment re MS C# language, and I have few questions to those of you, skilled low level language hackers :-) ---- C# has a single unified type system like Smalltalk. There is no awkward division between primitive types and objects. (This rules. Really it does.) Performance is maintained through a mechanism called boxing. Look into it. C# has value types called structs, which are like classes except that they live on the stack and die immediately when they go out of scope instead of waiting for garbage collection. C# has superior iteration mechanisms using interfaces like ICollection, etc. and the foreach construct. (Although it's still not as good as the internal iteration in Smalltalk.) C# assembly/namespace "mechanism" is much less of a pain in the ass than Java's packages. Take it from someone whose worked extensively with both, but if you don't believe me, take C# for a test drive and see. C# has properties as a first-level language construct. You may think this is not necessary, but when your language plugs into an IDE it can be extremely useful. Also I read somewhere that Python and Perl are moving away from stack based principle or so, to become more faster ... --------- I wonder how above points (or at least some of them) compare to Rebol? PS: I ask because I am interested in knowing something new, not to start any kind of flame war .... Thanks, -pekr-

 [2/2] from: rishioswal:yah:oo at: 6-May-2002 16:28


> Also I read somewhere that Python and Perl are > moving away from stack > based principle or so, to become more faster ... > --------- >
I think you are referring to Parrot. I am not to familiar with it..but it is some sort of unified backend for perl, python, ruby..etc.. It sounds very similar to Tao/AmigaDE virtual processor technology. I have also been wondering... since it seems other languages are going in this direction (.net, tao, parrot).. is rebol stuck with stack implementation? Hypothetical case.. something like TAO takes off and is on every platform.. scripting languages can be implemented specifically for it (non-least common denominator approach).. yet have perfect portability. Could a language like rebol be implemented in these type of architectures?? Just wondering.. rishi