Golang is written in Go: How?? | by Golang Da
One of the fascinating aspects of Go is that its compiler is mostly written in Go itself, which might leave you wondering: how is it possible to compile a language using a compiler written in that same language?
In this article, we’ll explore the ingenious bootstrapping process that makes it all possible and dig deeper into the reasons for this choice.
Bootstrapping, in the context of programming languages, is the process of creating a compiler for a language using an existing compiler for that or another language. It’s like lifting yourself off the ground by pulling on your own straps – it seems impossible, but Go manages it.
Starting with C
The Go team initially developed the language with a bootstrap compiler written in C. This bootstrap compiler was responsible for compiling a minimal subset of Go code.
Minimum runtime and garbage collector
The subset of Go code compiled by the C compiler included just enough to implement a basic Go runtime and a simple garbage collector. This was a crucial step towards self-sufficiency.
Write Go in Go
With a rudimentary Go runtime and garbage collector in place, the team began writing a Go compiler within Go itself. This new Go compiler was capable of compiling a larger subset of Go code.
Iterative improvement
The self-hosted Go compiler was then used to compile more of the standard library and more of the Go language. This process was repeated iteratively until the Go compiler written in Go could compile the entire of the Go language, including the standard library.
Total self-sufficiency
Eventually, the self-hosted Go compiler became capable of handling the entire Go language, thus achieving complete self-sufficiency.
Now you may be wondering why the Go team chose this bootstrapping approach. Here are some key reasons:
Simplicity and self-containment
Go was designed with simplicity and autonomy in mind. By keeping the language minimal and self-contained, it is easier to maintain and develop the language itself. The bootstrapping process aligns with this philosophy.
Cross-platform portability
Using C for the initial bootstrap allowed Go to be compiled on various platforms with a C compiler. Once the self-hosted Go compiler was ready, it could be used to compile Go for different platforms. forms without using a C compiler.
Improved linguistic evolution
With a self-hosted compiler in place, Go development became more streamlined. It has become easier to make changes and improvements to the language and compiler.
The bootstrapping process of the Go programming language, in which the Go compiler is written in Go itself, demonstrates the simplicity, autonomy, and pragmatic design of the language. It shows the ingenuity of the Go team in creating a language that is not only powerful but also self-sustaining.
As you dive into the world of Go programming, remember that the language’s journey to self-sufficiency is unique and remarkable. This speaks to the principle that sometimes, in the world of software, you can actually get back on your own two feet.
So go ahead, explore the world of Go and appreciate the elegance of its design – a design where even the compiler testifies to the capabilities of the language.
Happy coding!
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