The Howdy Glossary

D is a general-purpose programming language designed for high-performance systems and applications, particularly in domains such as video games, real-time operating systems, and scientific simulations. It integrates features from languages like C++, Java, Python, and Ruby, including object-oriented programming, multiple inheritance through templates, static typing with static duck typing using templates for effective code reuse without sacrificing performance. D offers built-in unit testing support, documentation generation from source code comments, and metaprogramming capabilities that allow compile-time program generation through template meta-programming techniques. The DMD and LDC compilers enable direct machine code compilation.

Walter Bright created the D programming language in 1999 to provide high performance while being easy to use for developers. Drawing inspiration from various languages to create a unique blend of features, Bright aimed for a language that balances performance with productivity. As an experienced figure in the compiler community known for his work on compilers and programming languages, he envisioned D as a versatile tool suitable for demanding software projects requiring both efficiency and ease of development.

D stands out among its competitors by offering strong support for modern programming paradigms coupled with low-level control. Unlike Java’s platform-independent ecosystem or Rust’s focus on memory safety and parallelism, D emphasizes performance through direct machine code compilation while maintaining productivity via flexible features like templates and static duck typing. Compared to Python's simplicity but dynamic nature or C++'s low-level efficiency but steeper learning curve, D provides a balanced combination of safety mechanisms (through strong typing) alongside modern conveniences such as metaprogramming capabilities. This makes it an attractive choice for developers who need to build robust software efficiently across diverse application areas while ensuring optimal runtime performance.