[lenkite]

Ladybird browser decided to use Swift of all things. I am just confused on how can one use a ARC based language for extreme performance software like a browser . Don't you need manual memory control or custom memory paradigms like arenas ?

[pjmlp]

Now imagine using such a language for a full blown graphical workstation!

"Eric Bier Demonstrates Cedar"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_dt7NG38V4

"Project Oberon"

http://www.projectoberon.net/

"The Midori Operating System Overview"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37WgsoZpf3k

https://joeduffyblog.com/2015/11/03/blogging-about-midori/

[lenkite]

Nice, but like the extinct Dodo, these are all affectionate memorials to dead software. The web browser is still alive and kicking after 30 years. And is the world's most popular software application. And all the mainstream browsers are mostly written in C++. Even the massively hyped Servo never got adopted into Firefox.

[pjmlp]

As usual, the usual mistake to mix up technology with political mistakes, and lack of budget.

Apple and Google show on their mobile OSes how to make developers dance to the music of modern systems languages.

[orobio]

Swift has always been designed with the potential for more manual memory control. Recently, non-copyable types were introduced, and non-escapable types are currently being proposed. Additionally, more ownership control features are being added. While there is still much work to be done, progress is steady.