# Future Developments
at
Waikato

This page is included to mention a few of the on-going work on a new 'production' implementation for Sather at Waikato. Some of the items are relatively simple, some look more like research than implementation!

- Run-Time Engine A new very small run-time engine for Sather is in the final throes of component testing. Integration and stress testing are expected to follow over the summer. When done it will be possible to modify the existing compiler to produce appropriate incantations to use it. We have great hopes but no crystal ball for an availability date yet.
- Cultural Compiler This is about to be ported to use the Required Library. Once that has been done and a number of cultural definitions been completed (without looking hard we have parts of fifty or so now), multi-cultural programming will be launched!
- Windows Library A student will shortly be starting a review of existing windowing/GUI primitives over a range of platforms - and OpenGL too in an endeavour to come up with a design for a thin portable multi-platform interface.
- S-book Work has commenced on a tutorial text for Sather suitable for non-beginners. The projected date for a first complete draft is 1 July 2001.
- Specifications The mammoth task of complete specification will be recommenced shortly - but is not likely to be a short-term exercise!
- Compiler Front-end It is hoped that some effort can be put towards a new compiler front-end. Together with the windows revision and a few bits and pieces this could enable the resurrection of sabrowse using the Required Library.
- Tokenised 'Intermediate Description' This is a long title for a mechanism for handling 'semi-compiled' classes in libraries - and interfaces for fully instantiated class too. This is more on the 'r' of R & D than just implementation.
- Code Evaluator On the cards, but proving very difficult to costruct efficiently.
- Assembler Source Generation Our parameterised back end needs some work on the prototype - well probably a re-write. We look to two or three CPUs in the next couple of years.

Comments or enquiries should be made to Keith Hopper . Page last modified: Monday, 16 October 2000. |