Google Summer of Code 2009 ideas

A language implementation, such as Factor, is a microcosm of computer science, and the project includes everything from compilers, to garbage collection, to internationalization and user interface design. Because Factor is mostly implemented in itself, students who study it can learn how an entire self-contained language system works. Factor is both more advanced than scripting languages, and has a simpler implementation than the Java VM, making it ideal for study.

Compiler

• Port Factor to ARM
• Port Factor to Sparc64
• Enabling optimizations for escape analysis
• Add unboxed 32- and 64-bit integers
• Add SIMD primitives
• Generating shared libraries

Libraries

• Factor VFS
• SSL on Windows
• Audio and video libraries
• Improve database library
• Improve XML library
• Improve Unicode library

Desktop

• Drag and drop
• Improve UI performance
• Input methods support
• Windows Unicode font rendering

Web

• Spruce up web apps
• Blog web app
• Listener and inspector web apps