Hidden Performance Costs in Programming Languages: Comparing C and Higher-Level Languages
By
surprisetalk
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
The article examines the perception that systems programmers avoid higher-level languages due to hidden performance costs, while arguing that even low-level languages like C have their own hidden overheads. The author explores various hidden costs in programming languages, starting with garbage collector pauses in higher-level languages and contrasting them with performance issues in C. The piece challenges the assumption that C is inherently more predictable or efficient by highlighting how both language types have trade-offs that may not be immediately apparent to developers.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledhow can it be that systems programmers shun higher-level languages due to their hidden performance costs when even C has plenty of areas where something expensive can happen without much ceremony or acknowledgement from the language?
I'd say there is a general consensus among programmers that garbage-collected languages are not an option for systems programming.
To answer that question we first need to take a look at some of the hidden costs present in higher-level languages.
You might also wanna read
DeiMOS: A Superoptimizer for the MOS 6502 Processor
The article introduces DeiMOS, a superoptimizer tool specifically designed for the MOS 6502 processor. A superoptimizer is a specialized too
aransentin.github.io·1mo ago
Understanding the Complexity of Time Zones and the Value of the Time Zone Database
The article discusses the complexity of time zones and the importance of relying on existing solutions like the Time Zone Database rather th
Inside Functional Programming Languages: Implementation Details and Compilation Phases
The article explores the internal workings and implementation details of functional programming languages, particularly Haskell-like languag
taylor.town·3mo agoChuck Moore's ColorForth: A Programming Language and Operating System Using Color as Syntax
ColorForth is a modern redesign of the classic Forth programming language that uses color as punctuation for syntax. Created by Chuck Moore,
D Programming Language: Combining Multiple Paradigms for Fast, Scalable Code
The article presents D as a programming language that combines multiple programming paradigms harmoniously, offering classic polymorphism, v
dlang.org·3mo ago
Examining Wirth's Law: Does Software Bloat Continue Despite Hardware Advances?
The article examines Wirth's Law - the observation that software is getting slower faster than hardware becomes faster - through the lens of