The D programming language was created by Walter Bright, an American software developer and computer scientist whose technical output includes compilers and historical computer games. Born in 1959, Bright emerged as a significant figure in software engineering during the transition toward modern object-oriented programming, moving beyond traditional language limitations to develop more efficient direct object code translation.
Academic Foundation
Bright pursued his formal education at the California Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979. His undergraduate work focused on Mechanical Engineering, supplemented by a minor in Aeronautical Engineering. During his tenure at the university, he programmed the Empire wargame, which operated on the PDP-10 mainframe. Additionally, he developed software titles for the Mattel Intellivision platform while still a student.
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Following graduation, Bright worked as a mechanical engineer at Boeing Commercial Airplanes between 1979 and 1982. During the early 1980s, he transitioned toward C programming, famously adapting his earlier work on Empire to the IBM PC. This transition deepened his interest in language implementation. He subsequently developed the Datalight C compiler, which was marketed under various names including Zorland C and Zortech C. His technical output reached a milestone with the Zortech C++ compiler, which later became known as Symantec C++ and eventually Digital Mars C++. This compiler gained significance for its ability to convert source code directly to object code, bypassing the standard reliance on C as an intermediate language.
Development of D
Bright is the designer of the D programming language. His contributions to the field of compiler technology extend to his work as a blogger for Dr. Dobb's Journal and the publication of scientific articles detailing programming methodologies. His later work includes developing Warp, a high-speed C/C++ preprocessor written in D, which he authored for Facebook around 2014.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959
- Education: California Institute of Technology
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Former Employer: Boeing Commercial Airplanes
- Key Works: D, Classic Empire, Zortech C++
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What is the primary technical achievement associated with the Zortech C++ compiler?
It was the first C++ compiler to translate source code directly into object code without using C as an intermediate step.
Which major company utilized Bright's Warp preprocessor?
Facebook utilized the tool, which was written in the D programming language, around 2014.
Achievements
- Notable work: D
- Notable work: Classic Empire
- Held posts at Boeing Commercial Airplanes