alt Hacker News> Many of us believe on automatic memory management for systems programming
The problem is the term "systems programming". For some, it's kernels and device drivers. For some, it's embedded real-time systems. For some, it's databases, game engines, compilers, language run-times, whatever.
There is no GC that could possibly handle all these use-cases.
Replies
amelius • today at 10:09 AM
But there could be a smoother path between having a GC and having no GC.
Right now, you'd have to switch languages.
But in a Great Language you'd just have to refactor some code.
Except there is, only among GC-haters there is not.
People forget there isn't ONE GC, rather several of possible implementations depending on the use case.
Java Real-Time GC implementations are quite capable to power weapon targeting systems in the battlefield, where a failure causes the wrong side to die.
> Aonix PERC Ultra Virtual Machine supports Lockheed Martin's Java components in Aegis Weapon System aboard guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill
https://www.militaryaerospace.com/computers/article/16724324...
> Thales Air Systems Selects Aonix PERC Ultra For Java Execution on Ground Radar Systems
https://vita.militaryembedded.com/5922-thales-execution-grou...
Aonix is nowadays owned by PTC, and there are other companies in the field offering similar implementations.