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That’s a very good point. The modern web browser must be a low-level application. Still, a web browser somehow seems different from other pieces of software on
by madmax96 8y ago
That’s a very good point. The modern web browser must be a low-level application.
Still, a web browser somehow seems different from other pieces of software on your system. This is because everything you just described is traditionally provided by the operating system. Hence, the browser has replaced the role of the operating system.
I believe my original critique still applies, but with some modifications. It may be appropriate to implement a particular low-level component (like a web browser) in one of these new languages. But that does not imply that all uses of C are inappropriate.
An interesting question is which complements are suitable for implementation in these languages?
To clarify: I’m reacting to what seems to be an umbrella recommendation by certain people to replace all software written in C with software in some other language, or that it’s inappropriate to use C for any new system components.
- steveklabnik 8y ago> Hence, the browser has replaced the role of the operating system. Yup, I think this is becoming both metaphorically and literally true (I'm an ex-Chromebook user) > I believe my original critique still applies, but with some modifications. It may be appropriate to implement a particular low-level component (like a web browser) in one of these new languages. But that does not imply that all uses of C are inappropriate. Sure. I don't think one implies the other, personally. > An interesting question is which complements are suitable for implementation in these languages? Rust can be used to do anything C can do, with some small exceptions like "support 1970s hardware" or some practical exceptions like "this proprietary chip comes with a c compiler only" or "there's no port to my platform yet even if there could be."