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

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-09-01 10:27:50

on Fri Aug 31 2007, Doug Gregor <dgregor-AT-osl.iu.edu> wrote:

> 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.

Well, it's about time something like this existed... I always wanted a
C++ compiler written in C++, with high-level abstractions, so that I
could "easily" develop new features.

> 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.

Is there a list of tasks somewhere? If someone wants to help, where
can they find something to do?

I note the LLVM website says "a GCC-based C & C++ front-end."  I
assume that is *not* what we're talking about here?

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
http://www.boost-consulting.com
The Astoria Seminar ==> http://www.astoriaseminar.com