[boost] Clang: Open-source C/C++ front end under development

From: Doug Gregor (dgregor_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-08-31 10:58:50

Hello fellow Boosters,

The need for an extensible, complete open-source C++ parser has been  
discussed on Boost over the years. There are myriad projects that  
parse approximations to C++ suitable for specific tasks (e.g.,  
documentation generation), but there has never been a  community  
project meant to handle all of C++ or serve as a common platform for  
new C++ tools. That is going to change, and I hope Boost will be  
involved.

Apple has begun development of "Clang", which aims to be a high- 
quality C/C++ parser and compiler. Clang is designed as a library for  
C++ tools, from IDE-supported tools like indexing, searching, and  
refactoring to documentation tools, static checkers, and a full C++  
front end to the Low Level Virtual Machine (LLVM). LLVM is an  
advanced, open-source compiler infrastructure supporting all of the  
back-end functionality needed for a C++ compiler. Like LLVM, Clang is  
written in a modern C++ style, with a clean separation between the  
different phases of translation in C++ (lexical analysis, parsing,  
semantic analysis, lowering, code generation, etc.), all of which  
make Clang a pleasure to work with.

Clang is still in the early stages of development. At present, it  
parses and type-checks most of C, with code generation for some  
simple constructs. C++ support is not available yet, but Apple has  
dedicated significant resources to making Clang a successful C++  
parser and compiler.

That said, Clang needs our help. Collectively, Boost developers have  
more knowledge about and a deeper understanding of C++ than any other  
community within C++. We have the C++ expertise to help implement the  
language well, and the library-design savvy to help build powerful,  
accessible interfaces that simplify the task of building new and  
improved tools for C++. The Clang team is asking for help  
implementing C and C++ features and are very open to new contributors.

Clang has the potential to be a top-notch, open-source C++ compiler  
and tool platform, from which we would all benefit. Let's help Clang  
get there sooner!

Links:
        Clang: http://clang.llvm.org/
        LLVM: http://llvm.org/
        Steve Naroff's talk motivating Clang:
                - Video: http://llvm.org/devmtg/2007-05/09-Naroff-CFE.mov
                - Slides: http://llvm.org/devmtg/2007-05/09-Naroff-CFE.pdf
        Clang announcement: http://lists.cs.uiuc.edu/pipermail/llvmdev/2007- 
July/009817.html

        Cheers,	
        Doug