From Binary to Brilliance: How Compilers Learned to Write Compilers a.k.a Bootstrapping

Programming languages evolved from the need to instruct computers beyond flipping switches. Initially, programmers used machine code (0s and 1s) and then assembly language for better readability. High-level languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and LISP emerged, simplifying programming and initially relying on assembly for their compilers. The concept of bootstrapping allowed languages like C and Pascal to be written in themselves, creating self-hosted compilers. The object-oriented era introduced languages like C++, Java, and Python, each with varying implementation languages like C or C++. Modern languages like Rust and Go are often initially implemented using existing languages such as C++ or C before being rewritten in themselves. Bootstrapping involves a language using its own compiler to build a newer version of itself, improving maintainability and demonstrating power. Self-hosted compilers make maintenance easier and prove the language's capabilities. The evolution of languages began with binary code, progressing to complex JavaScript frameworks.