Modular C
Résumé
We propose an extension to the C standard called Modular C. It consists in the
addition of a handful of directives and a naming scheme transforming traditional transla-
tion units into modules. The change to the C language is minimal since we only add one
feature, composed identifiers, to the core language. Our modules can import other modules
as long as the import relation remains acyclic and a module can refer to its own identifiers
and those of the imported modules through freely chosen abbreviations. Other than tradi-
tional C include, our import directive ensures complete encapsulation between modules. The
abbreviation scheme allows to seamlessly replace an imported module by another one with
equivalent interface. In addition to the export of symbols, we provide parameterized code in-
jection through the import of “snippets”. This implements a mechanism that allows for code
reuse, similar to X macros or templates. Additional features of our proposal are a simple dy-
namic module initialization scheme, a structured approach to the C library and a migration
path for existing software projects.
Domaines
Langage de programmation [cs.PL]Origine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
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