metaC

metaC is a programming language that extends the C programming language with metaprogramming capabilities. It allows developers to write code that manipulates other code at compile time or runtime. This can be used for tasks such as code generation, optimization, and creating domain-specific languages.

The core idea behind metaC is to treat code as data. This means that programs written in metaC can analyze, transform, and generate C code. This is achieved through a set of meta-programming constructs that are integrated into the C language. These constructs allow for the definition of macros that can expand into arbitrary C code, as well as more advanced techniques like program transformation rules.

metaC aims to provide a powerful yet familiar environment for C programmers. By building upon the existing C syntax and semantics, it seeks to lower the learning curve for metaprogramming. The language supports both compile-time metaprogramming, where code is generated before the program is compiled, and runtime metaprogramming, where code can be manipulated while the program is executing.

The benefits of using metaC include increased productivity through automated code generation, improved performance via compile-time optimizations, and enhanced expressiveness for complex programming tasks. It can be particularly useful in areas like embedded systems, game development, and scientific computing where performance and specialized code are often critical. While still a niche language, metaC represents an interesting approach to extending the capabilities of a foundational programming language like C.