TL;DR
C3 is a C-like programming language that emphasizes safety, ergonomics and seamless C interoperability. The language offers full C ABI compatibility, a module system, operator overloading, compile-time macros, contracts, generics, reflection, inline assembly and enhanced debug diagnostics.
What happened
The C3 project has published an evolving language that preserves C’s familiar syntax while adding modern safety and ergonomics. The site lists the current compiler as version 0.7.8 and provides installers and documentation for Windows, macOS and Linux. C3 is designed to interoperate with existing C code via full C ABI compatibility, and the project demonstrates this with an example where a portion of vkQuake was converted to C3 and built with the c3c compiler. Language features highlighted on the site include a straightforward module system, operator overloading, compile-time and semantic macros, gradual contracts, zero-overhead error handling, generic modules, compile-time and runtime reflection, inline assembly written without stringified constraints, and extensive debug-mode runtime checks plus detailed stacktraces. The project maintains a manual, download pages and community entry points such as Discord and a blog; the website itself is open source.
Why it matters
- Full C ABI compatibility could let teams incrementally adopt C3 inside existing C/C++ codebases without rewriting interfaces.
- Compile-time macros and reflection aim to enable more expressive metaprogramming than C’s preprocessor.
- Contracts and debug-mode checks are intended to surface bugs earlier without imposing overhead in release builds.
- Zero-overhead error handling and concise generics target more readable, safer code while preserving performance expectations of C programmers.
Key facts
- Current compiler version listed as 0.7.8 on the project site.
- Project emphasizes full C ABI compatibility so C and C3 can be mixed in the same project.
- Available installers and documentation for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Language features include a simple module system and operator overloading.
- Supports compile-time and semantic macros for metaprogramming.
- Implements gradual contracts for runtime and compile-time constraints.
- Provides zero-overhead-style error handling combining Result-like patterns with exception usability.
- Offers generic modules and both compile-time and runtime reflection.
- Inline assembly can be written as regular inline code without string-based constraints.
- Debug builds add runtime bounds and value checks and the standard library provides detailed stacktraces.
What to watch next
- Broader adoption by real-world C and C++ projects and additional migration examples — not confirmed in the source.
- Roadmap toward a stable 1.0 release and release cadence for post-0.7.8 versions — not confirmed in the source.
- Growth of third-party libraries, package ecosystem and tooling (editors, debuggers, CI integrations) — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- C ABI: Application Binary Interface conventions that define how functions and data are represented at the binary level for interoperability between languages.
- Operator overloading: A language feature that lets developers define or change the behavior of built-in operators (like +, -, *) for user-defined types.
- Compile-time macros: Macros that are expanded or executed during compilation to generate or transform code, offering more powerful and structured metaprogramming than simple textual substitution.
- Contracts: Assertions attached to functions or types that specify expected conditions (preconditions, postconditions, invariants) checked at compile time or runtime.
- Reflection: The ability of a program to inspect or modify its own structure and metadata at compile time or runtime.
Reader FAQ
Is C3 compatible with C?
Yes. The site states C3 provides full C ABI compatibility to mix C and C3 code.
Which platforms are supported?
Installers and downloads are available for Windows, macOS and Linux according to the project site.
How do I get started?
The site offers a manual and download pages; it also links to community channels such as Discord and a blog for further help.
Is C3 production-ready?
not confirmed in the source
C3 Docs Examples Download Discord Blog More Get started Current version: 0.7.8 Installation Guide The C3 Programming Language The Ergonomic, Safe and Familiar Evolution of C Download for Windows Toggle…
Sources
- The C3 Programming Language
- Interview with C3 language creator, Christoffer Lerno
- Design Goals & Background
- Language Showcase: C3 – Compiler Spotlight – Substack
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