In a language with a metacircular interpreter, how is the first program ever written compiled?
Usually, it’s written in another language. For example, one could write a C compiler in Pascal (which existed before C). Once the first C compiler became functional, then it was likely re-written in C itself as a proof of viability of the language. If you work your way back far enough, people were first coding directly in Assembly. Then, Macro Assemblers were invented that made some tasks of hand-coding assembly easier. Of course, the first Macro Assemblers were very likely written in Assembly themselves. As you can imagine, as you work your way towards more and more sophisticated tools, you can begin building simple macro languages which lead to compilers, and then using those tools to write even more complex languages, as we have today.
Related Questions
- Does a city or city assisted program have to arrange for a sign language interpreter every time staff members deal with people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
- Can my doctor deny me a sign language interpreter during my medical appointments if lip reading and written notes work just as well?
- How could my need for a sign language interpreter cause a "fundamental alteration" of a government program?
