Crunch – a Scheme compiler with a minimal runtime

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**Overview:** Crunch is positioned as a Scheme compiler which stands out due to its minimal runtime and the targeting of a statically-typed subset of Scheme. This aspect differentiates it from similar projects like Chicken, which also compiles down to C but with different characteristics regarding type systems. **Key Points:** 1. **Static Typing:** Crunch aims to address the historical preference of Lispers for dynamic typing by introducing static typing, enhancing expressiveness and tool usability within the Lisp community. 2. **Scheme Conformance:** The compiler is noted to have R7RS conformance, which is crucial for portability among different Scheme implementations. 3. **Memory Management:** There is a discussion about the differences in memory management strategies between Crunch and other projects like PreScheme, with potential developments for adopting reference counting. 4. **Microcontroller Compatibility:** The possibility of running Scheme on microcontrollers like ESP32 opens up new application areas, indicating flexibility and usability in constrained environments. 5. **Cross-Compilation Potential:** Suggestions for compiling to Cosmopolitan C and Typescript provides exciting connotations for the future development and versatility of the Crunch compiler. **Trends & Opportunities:** The trend towards supporting static types in traditionally dynamic languages indicates a shift in the Lisp community, providing opportunities for more robust software development practices. Furthermore, targeting various platforms and languages could expand the reach and utility of Scheme significantly.
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