Introducing Fil-C: A Memory-Safe Alternative for C and C++ Programmers

Fil-C is a new, memory-safe version of C and C++ created by Filip Pizlo, a senior director of language engineering at Epic Games. This project offers developers an alternative to Rust for writing memory-safe code.

Fil-C aims for full compatibility with standard C and C++. Developers can compile their existing code with Pizlo’s new compiler to ensure memory safety. This initiative responds to the increasing demand for safer programming languages, as memory management errors in C and C++ can lead to serious vulnerabilities.

Pizlo’s project, introduced at the Splash 2024 conference, is a personal endeavor driven by his passion for C and C++. He acknowledges the safety issues in traditional C programming but believes in enhancing these languages rather than abandoning them.

Fil-C currently runs on Linux/x86_64 and may run slower than conventional C—about 1.5 to 5 times slower—due to its unique pointer encoding method called MonoCaps. Pizlo aims to address performance issues, targeting a maximum slowdown of only 1.5 times compared to C in the worst cases.

Unlike some other memory-safe approaches, Fil-C does not intend to achieve full Application Binary Interface (ABI) compatibility with traditional C/C++. This design choice prevents programmers from easily mixing Fil-C with unsafe C code, which could compromise safety.

How does Fil-C’s performance compare with Rust in terms of memory safety and execution speed?

Interview with Filip Pizlo on Fil-C: A New Era for Memory-Safe C/C++ Programming

By: [Your Name], News Editor at NewsDirectory3.com

In a groundbreaking announcement at the Splash 2024 conference, Filip Pizlo, Senior Director of Language Engineering at Epic Games, introduced Fil-C, a new memory-safe implementation of C and C++. With the increasing demand for safer programming languages, we sat down with Pizlo to discuss his vision, the challenges faced in traditional C programming, and what developers can expect from this innovative project.

NewsDirectory3.com: Filip, can you explain what Fil-C is and what inspired you to create it?

Filip Pizlo: Fil-C is designed to be a memory-safe alternative to C and C++, maintaining full compatibility with the standard languages while introducing safety features that help prevent common memory management errors. My inspiration stems from my passion for C and C++. I believe that instead of abandoning these powerful languages, we should enhance them to address safety concerns.

NewsDirectory3.com: Given the popularity of Rust as a memory-safe language, how does Fil-C compare, and what unique advantages does it offer?

Filip Pizlo: While Rust has garnered significant attention for its memory safety, Fil-C provides developers with an option to stay within the C/C++ ecosystem. It allows them to compile their existing code to ensure memory safety without the need to learn a new language like Rust. Fil-C aims to maintain the performance characteristics familiar to C programmers, albeit with some trade-offs in speed due to our unique pointer encoding method, MonoCaps.

NewsDirectory3.com: Speaking of performance, can you elaborate on the expected speed of Fil-C compared to conventional C?

Filip Pizlo: Currently, Fil-C may run slower than traditional C by about 1.5 to 5 times. However, we are actively working on performance optimizations with the goal of limiting the slowdown to no more than 1.5 times compared to regular C in the worst-case scenarios. This way, developers can still enjoy reasonable performance while benefiting from enhanced safety.

NewsDirectory3.com: Safety is paramount. Can you discuss how Fil-C handles compatibility with existing C code?

Filip Pizlo: Fil-C prioritizes safety over easy interoperability. While some existing programs, like bzip2 and zip, can be compiled without changes, others may require minor adjustments for compatibility. We consciously decided against full ABI compatibility with traditional C/C++ to avoid scenarios where integrating unsafe C code could undermine the safety guarantees that Fil-C provides.

NewsDirectory3.com: In the past, there have been other attempts to make C memory-safe, such as CheckedC. How does Fil-C differ from these initiatives?

Filip Pizlo: Many previous projects struggled with addressing edge cases effectively. My goal with Fil-C is straightforward: to ensure memory safety in all generated code while supporting a variety of input scenarios. I believe we can achieve this without the complications that have plagued other attempts.

NewsDirectory3.com: what message do you have for developers who are eager to adopt Fil-C?

Filip Pizlo: I encourage developers to embrace this new tool as a way to write memory-safe code in a language they love. Fil-C represents a bridge between maintaining the advantages of C/C++ and enhancing it with essential safety features. It’s an opportunity to continue using familiar tools while tackling modern programming challenges.

As developers continue to face the consequences of memory safety issues in traditional C and C++, Pizlo’s Fil-C may very well pave the way for a new chapter in memory-safe programming.

Some existing C programs, such as bzip2 and zip, can be compiled with Fil-C without modifications. Other programs require minor changes for compatibility.

Pizlo acknowledges previous attempts to make C memory-safe, like CheckedC and -fbounds-safety. However, he believes these projects fail to address many edge cases effectively. His goal is straightforward: support various inputs while ensuring memory safety in generated code.

With Fil-C, developers can now write safely in a familiar language, eliminating the need to learn Rust or other new languages.