Walter Bright

Walter Bright is a computer programmer known for being the designer of the D programming language. He was also the main developer of the first C++ compiler that translated directly to object without going via C, Zortech C++ (later to become Symantec C++, now Digital Mars C++). Before the C++ compiler, he developed the Datalight C compiler, also sold as Zorland C and later Zortech C. He is also known for Empire, one of the first strategy computer games, written in 1971–1977 on a PDP-10.

Walter Bright is the creator and first implementer of the D programming language and has implemented compilers for several other languages. He's an expert in all areas of compiler technology, including front ends, optimizers, code generation, interpreter engines and runtime libraries. Walter regularly writes articles about compilers and programming, is known for engaging and informative presentations, and provides training in compiler development techniques. Many are surprised to discover that Walter is also the creator of the wargame Empire, which is still popular today over 30 years after its debut.

Bright graduated from Caltech in 1979 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering.


Achievement:

1. The D programming language

  • Digital Mars D compiler
  • D Programming Language Specification

2. C and C++ compilers:

  • Digital Mars C++
  • Symantec C++
  • Zortech C++ (the first native C++ compiler)
  • Zorland C
  • Datalight C
  • Northwest Software C

3. Empire the Wargame of the Century:

  • The first and often imitated classic strategic computer wargame.

4. ABEL: Advanced Boolean Expression Language compiler

  • Walter designed this language in the 80's for Data I/O, there are now an estimated 50,000 users of it

5. DMDScript: ECMA 262 Script compiler/interpreter 20 times faster than Netscape Javascript, and twice as fast as Microsoft jscript.

  • Walter is the primary author of Sun's ECMA 262 Script engine .


Publications:

1. Dr. Dobb's Author

2. D Programming Language Specification

3. C/C++ User's Journal May 2004, "Nested Functions"

4. SDWest 2004, The D Programming Language 5. Dr. Dobb's Mar 2004 pg. 36, "Collection Enumeration: Loops, Iterators, & Nested Functions" by Walter Bright and Matthew Wilson

Dr. Dobb's Feb 2002, "The D Programming Language"

6. The C Users Journal, Jul 1990, pg. 37 Virtual Memory For 640K MS-DOS

7. Micro Cornucopia, Mar 1990 pg. 21 "Debugging C Pointers Using MEM"

8. Micro Cornucopia Jan 1989 pg. 26 "The Secrets Of Compiler Optimization"


Famous quotes containing the words walter and/or bright:

    TV has changed!
    Roger Spottiswoode, U.S. screenwriter, Walter Hill, and Larry Gross. Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy)

    But Jonnë had a bright sword by his side,
    And it was made of the mettle so free,
    That had not the king stept his foot aside,
    He had smitten his head from his faire bodde.
    Unknown. Johnie Armstrong (l. 45–48)