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(standards.info) ANSI C

(standards.info) Design Advice

 
 Using Languages Other Than C
 ============================
 
    Using a language other than C is like using a non-standard feature:
 it will cause trouble for users.  Even if GCC supports the other
 language, users may find it inconvenient to have to install the
 compiler for that other language in order to build your program.  For
 example, if you write your program in C++, people will have to install
 the C++ compiler in order to compile your program.  Thus, it is better
 if you write in C.
 
    But there are three situations when there is no disadvantage in using
 some other language:
 
    * It is okay to use another language if your program contains an
      interpreter for that language.
 
      For example, if your program links with GUILE, it is ok to write
      part of the program in Scheme or another language supported by
      GUILE.
 
    * It is okay to use another language in a tool specifically intended
      for use with that language.
 
      This is okay because the only people who want to build the tool
      will be those who have installed the other language anyway.
 
    * If an application is of interest to a narrow community, then
      perhaps it's not important if the application is inconvenient to
      install.
 
    C has one other advantage over C++ and other compiled languages: more
 people know C, so more people will find it easy to read and modify the
 program if it is written in C.
 

Info Catalog

(standards.info) ANSI C

(standards.info) Design Advice