Slashdot has posted a new article about the D programming language.
From the article:
For those with a C/C++ background, D offers:
- native code speed
- extremely fast compilation times
- garbage collection (although you can manage your own memory if you want)
- OOP - by reference only, easy initialization, always virtual
- cleaner template metaprogramming syntax, more powerful templates, as well
- built-in dynamic and associative arrays, array slicing
- versioning (no preprocessor madness)
- link-compatibility with C
- nested functions
- class delegates / function pointers
- module system
For those with a C#/Java background (a shorter list, but one with big wins):
- similar syntax
- No virtual machine or interpreter
- built-in unit testing and design-by-contract
These two comparison sheets can go into more depth on how D stacks up against other languages.
From D’s creator: For me, it’s hard to pinpoint any particular feature or two. It’s the combination of features that makes the cake, not the sugar, flour or baking powder. So,
- My programs come together faster and have fewer bugs.
- Once written, the programs are easier to modify.
- I can do (1) and (2) without giving up performance.
Get your compilers and start hacking D!