Re: A New Compiler

>>>>> "Rick" == Rick  <hanson.rickyj@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> writes:

    Rick> I've been programming for about 10 years now and recently
    Rick> came across the Eiffel language.  In all of that time I've
    Rick> never written a compiler and have decided I'd like to write
    Rick> a new one for Eiffel.  I'm looking for some people to tell
    Rick> me what they would like to see in a new compiler.  What
    Rick> standard should it be written to?  What platform would you
    Rick> use it on?  Would you like to see a full IDE or just a
    Rick> compiler?  How about a symbolic debugger?  Do you prefer a
    Rick> native language compiler or one that produces C/C++ code?
    Rick> Any comment you wish to make would be very welcome.

As others have said, writing a new compiler from scratch is a huge
project.

I would suggest taking over the now (apparently) finalized SmartEiffel
1.2r7 code base, and making the following changes:

1) Change the default from case-sensitive to case-insensitive (it's
   worth keeping the case-sensitive option as a non-standard
   non-default option as part of a style-checking option, perhaps).
   That will be trivial, but it will help you find your way around the
   code.

2) Move the language implemented by the compiler towards full ECMA
   compliance (that should keep you busy enough :-)).

3) Get the compile-to-java code working again.

These tasks alone would be an extremely worthwhile contribution to the
Eiffel community.
-- 
Colin Adams
Preston Lanca****re