[nomenclature] systems language

[sybrandy]

On 10/14/2010 08:30 AM, Justin Johansson wrote:
> Touted often around here is the term "systems language".
>
> May we please discuss a definition to be agreed upon
> for the usage this term (at least in this community) and
> also have some agreed upon examples of PLs that might also
> be members of the "set of systems languages".
> Given a general subjective term like this, one would have
> to suspect that the D PL is not the only member of this set.
>
> Cheers
> Justin Johansson
>
> PS. my apologies for posting a lame joke recently;
> certainly it was not meant to be disparaging towards
> the D PL and hopefully it was not taken this way.

A systems language is a compiled language that allows you to get as 
close to the metal as possible without having to resort to assembly 
language.  Also, it should be able to run in such a manner as to not 
interfere with applications unless absolutely necessary.  Lastly, it 
should have a API/ABI (Not sure which is correct) that is easy for other 
languages to use for system calls.

Casey