Back into Compiler Theory Again

I’m going to get back into compiler theory, but this time, I’m actually going to put it into practice. Using the PHP and Zend Engine, I’m going to try to create a version that uses C++. The reasons for this, is that for one, I think it would create cleaner code since the C++ Standard Template Library will be used, as well as other C++ libraries. I also want to see how much overhead will be introduced, if a lot of the core code is in objects instead.

It would also involve refactoring a lot of the core extensions. However, it is more of a learning project than something that would seriously compete with the Zend Engine. Really, I just want to understand what is happening in the Zend Core, so that I can play with the source code.

If I can get a working implementation based off the PHP engine, it would go good, when I take the C++ class in the Fall of next year (2008). It will do two things, let me relearn C++ before I take the class, so I won’t be as rusty as I would be otherwise. The second thing is that it will allow me to finally put to use a few books that have been sitting around collecting dust.

If I can get something going, I might be able to submit the project to the Google Summer of Code. However, I don’t know how much time I’ll be able to devote to the project in between my current PHP code projects.

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