Comparing reflection capabilities of C++, Zig and C3
4 hours ago
- The article compares compile-time reflection capabilities in C++, Zig, and C3, all of which allow reasoning about types and struct members without runtime cost.
- C3 is a new systems programming language focusing on readability, performance, minimalism, and C/C++ familiarity, using $ prefix for compile-time constructs and macros for reflection.
- Enum to string conversion: C3 automatically prints enum names as defined; Zig may require manual methods; C++ relies on upcoming reflection support.
- Struct introspection: C3 uses optional pre-conditions (contracts) that can execute at compile-time; C++ uses template machinery; Zig uses comptime functions and type-introspection builtins.
- Validation with compile-time attributes: C3 provides clear syntax distinction between compile-time ($if) and runtime (if) code; Zig lacks attributes; C++ has attributes but verbose syntax.
- All three languages enable real compile-time reflection for serializers, debug printers, and generic helpers, with trade-offs in ergonomics: C++ verbose, C3 readable and expressive, Zig modern and mostly readable.
- The author finds C3 promising but under-marketed compared to C++ and Zig, and notes its stability (0.8.x versions approaching 1.0) versus Zig's long development cycle on 0.1x versions.