Transpiling Slang Methods to C Functions: An Example of Static Polymorphism for Smalltalk VM Objects

Explore a 16-minute conference talk from VMIL 2023 that delves into the challenges and solutions of transpiling Smalltalk methods to C functions in the OpenSmalltalk-VM project. Learn about the pragmatic extension for static polymorphism in Slang, a subset of Smalltalk used for VM development. Discover how this approach allows developers to leverage Smalltalk tooling and maintain a fast feedback cycle while addressing the complexities of mapping object-oriented concepts to C. Examine the benefits of improved modularity and the ability to use familiar design patterns, as well as the potential drawbacks of adding complexity to an already intricate system. Gain insights into the ongoing challenges and potential enhancements needed for Slang in the field of virtual machine development.