Compile-Back Programming Languages

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A 'Compile-Back' programming language is when that specific programming language compiles itself into the programming language that the compiler was written in.

For example: The script that goes through each each keyword is written in the Python programming language, then the same script takes the keywords from another text file (which holds the 'Compile-Back' programming language) and turns the instructions in that file back into a valid Python program (this can be any programming language).

What goes into making a 'Compile-Back' Programming Language?

It is very simple to make one, although it may require some good problem solving and planning skills when you start implementing more complex logic. You simply check for specific keywords (probably using a for loop) and just turn it into the equivalent of the same language.

What are the limitations?

You simply will not be able to implement features outside of the existing features of the language you are working with, unless you turn the instructions into a different language, but that sort of drives it away from the meaning of a 'Compile-Back' programming language.

This also might not give the best performance as it is not compiled to a lower level language that is faster.

References

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