Walter Bright
Encyclopedia
Walter Bright is a computer programmer known for being the designer of the D programming language
. He was also the main developer of the first C++
compiler that translated directly to object without going via C
, Zortech
C++ (later to become Symantec
C++, now Digital Mars
C++). Before the C++ compiler, he developed the Datalight C compiler, also sold as Zorland C and later Zortech C. "said Walter Bright, Zortech's directory of technology
He is also known for Empire
, one of the first strategy computer games
, written in 1971–1977 on a PDP-10
.
Bright graduated from Caltech
in 1979 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering.
D (programming language)
The D programming language is an object-oriented, imperative, multi-paradigm, system programming language created by Walter Bright of Digital Mars. It originated as a re-engineering of C++, but even though it is mainly influenced by that language, it is not a variant of C++...
. He was also the main developer of the first C++
C++
C++ is a statically typed, free-form, multi-paradigm, compiled, general-purpose programming language. It is regarded as an intermediate-level language, as it comprises a combination of both high-level and low-level language features. It was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup starting in 1979 at Bell...
compiler that translated directly to object without going via C
C (programming language)
C is a general-purpose computer programming language developed between 1969 and 1973 by Dennis Ritchie at the Bell Telephone Laboratories for use with the Unix operating system....
, Zortech
Zortech
Zortech Ltd was a small British software company that marketed C and C++ compilers and associated software.The company was initially formed with the name Zorland Ltd to reflect its desire to be a direct competitor of Borland Inc...
C++ (later to become Symantec
Symantec
Symantec Corporation is the largest maker of security software for computers. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and is a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 stock market index.-History:...
C++, now Digital Mars
Digital Mars
Digital Mars is a small American software company owned by Walter Bright that makes C and C++ compilers for Windows and DOS. They also distribute the compilers for free on their web site....
C++). Before the C++ compiler, he developed the Datalight C compiler, also sold as Zorland C and later Zortech C. "said Walter Bright, Zortech's directory of technology
He is also known for Empire
Classic Empire (computer game)
Empire is a turn-based wargame with simple rules, conceived by Walter Bright in 1971 based on various war movies and board games, notably Battle of Britain and Risk. In the game, each player starts with one city in an unexplored world, and uses the city to build armies, aircraft, and various...
, one of the first strategy computer games
Computer Games
"Computer Games" is a single by New Zealand group, Mi-Sex released in 1979 in Australia and New Zealand and in 1981 throughout Europe. It was the single that launched the band, and was hugely popular, particularly in Australia and New Zealand...
, written in 1971–1977 on a PDP-10
PDP-10
The PDP-10 was a mainframe computer family manufactured by Digital Equipment Corporation from the late 1960s on; the name stands for "Programmed Data Processor model 10". The first model was delivered in 1966...
.
Bright graduated from Caltech
California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Pasadena, California, United States. Caltech has six academic divisions with strong emphases on science and engineering...
in 1979 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering.