Compile-time meta-programming in a dynamically typed OO language

Compile-time meta-programming allows programs to be constructed by the user at compile-time. Although LISP derived languages have long had such facilities, few modern languages are capable of compile-time meta-programming, and of those that do many of the most powerful are statically typed functional languages. In this paper I present the dynamically typed object orientated language Converge which allows compile-time meta-programming in the spirit of Template Haskell. Converge demonstrates that integrating powerful, safe compile-time meta-programming features into a dynamic language requires few restrictions to the flexible development style facilitated by the paradigm. In this paper I detail Converge’s compile-time meta-programming facilities, much of which is adapted from Template Haskell, contain several features new to the paradigm. Finally I explain how such a facility might be integrated into similar languages.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: DLS
• Authors: Laurence Tratt
• Keywords: Compile-time Meta-programming, Compile-time Meta-programming Allows, Compile-time Meta-programming Features, DLS 2005, Languages