Programming Language Integrating Safety Features with C Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programming languages like C and Objective-C lack safety features such as bounds and overflow checking, making them prone to security vulnerabilities and memory-related issues, which complicates software development and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A new programming language that integrates safety features like bounds and overflow checking, along with modern programming patterns, allowing for explicit type safety, Unicode compliance, and advanced data types like Tuples and Optionals, while maintaining compatibility with existing C and Objective-C codebases through a modular compilation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If C or Objective-C language is used for programming, then performance and low-level control are improved, but software safety and security are worsened due to lack of bounds and overflow checking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new programming language that serves as an intermediary between high-level safe languages and low-level C/Objective-C. This language provides safety features like bounds checking and overflow protection while maintaining performance characteristics, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of speed and safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If C compatibility is maintained in Objective-C, then ease of integration with existing code is improved, but type safety and memory management are worsened due to inheritance of C's weak typing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the programming language features into distinct layers: C-compatible syntax for integration purposes, and a separate type system with explicit type safety rules. This allows the language to maintain compatibility with existing C code while implementing robust type checking and memory management independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The language implements local quality by applying different typing rules to different parts of the codebase. C-compatible sections maintain flexibility for integration, while new code sections enforce strict type safety and memory management rules, allowing both qualities to coexist in different locations.
3Reliability
If new safety features are added to programming language, then software security is improved, but language complexity and learning curve are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The language implements self-service through automatic memory management and bounds checking that occur without explicit programmer intervention. The compiler automatically inserts safety checks and manages memory allocation, providing security features while maintaining simple syntax that doesn't require developers to learn complex safety protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an improved programming system and language for application development is provided that combines elements of the C and Objective-C languages without the constraints imposed by a requirement to maintain compatibility with the C language. The language provides the functionality of the C language compatibility in certain areas to improve the inherent safety of software written in the language. The new language includes default safety considerations such as bounds and overflow checking.