Introduction

When discussing the future of low-level programming languages, C and C often dominate the conversation. However, recent developments, particularly the Burst Compiler, have brought new elements to the discussion. In this article, we explore the prospects of C overtaking C and C in the year 2019, considering the latest advancements and the unique features of each language.

Understanding the Burst Compiler

The Burst Compiler is a significant development that enhances the performance of C code by compiling it to native code. This is in contrast to the traditional approach of using the .Net Common Language Runtime (CLR) bytecode. The Burst Compiler plays a critical role in modern game development, especially with Unity, as it can achieve performance comparable to C .

Autovectorization in C

Modern processors support Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) instructions, which can significantly speed up specific operations. C compilers, including the Burst Compiler, attempt to use autovectorization to make loops more efficient by utilizing SIMD. This feature can boost performance for certain tasks, but it is also vulnerable to subtle changes that can break vectorization, leading to performance drops.

Safety and Performance in C

One of the unique features of C is the presence of unsafe blocks, which allow the use of C-style pointers. This flexibility can be crucial for specific use cases but requires careful management to avoid common pitfalls such as dangling pointers and undefined behavior.

Challenges of C in Modern Computing

Despite its strengths, C faces several challenges that make it a less compelling choice for widespread use in modern computing environments. For instance, C relies heavily on garbage collection for certain parts of its standard library, which can introduce overhead and indeterminism.

HPC: An Attempt to Address C Limitations

HPC (High-Performance C) is an attempt to address some of these issues by removing classes and reference types. However, it is more of a language subset than a full replacement for C. Currently, it is unclear whether a replacement standard library with performance-friendly features will be developed.

Competing with C and C : Rust

Rust, a modern systems programming language, emerges as a more formidable contender for the performance space traditionally occupied by C and C . Rust offers several advantages, including a strong standard library, an advanced async/await model, and robust memory management features. Its async/await capabilities have evolved through lessons learned from other languages, and it eliminates the need for a garbage collector, making it a more deterministic and performant option.

Unity Integration and Ecosystem

In the Unity ecosystem, Rust is particularly compelling. The Unity Task System (UTS) supports Rust, enabling developers to write high-performance code alongside C# without the overhead of garbage collection. Additionally, Rust's safety guarantees and memory management features make it a safer and more reliable choice for large-scale projects.

Conclusion

While the Burst Compiler and advancements in C bring renewed interest to the language, it is unlikely that C will overtake C or Rust in the near future, especially for high-performance computing (HPC) and systems programming. Rust's comprehensive feature set and improved performance make it a more compelling choice for modern development, particularly in scenarios where deterministic performance is critical.

Future Outlook

The landscape of low-level programming is constantly evolving. As new tools and language features emerge, developers will continue to make informed choices based on the specific requirements of their projects. For 2019 and beyond, Rust appears to be a more promising long-term solution for high-performance and systems-level programming tasks.