The article discusses how tail-call optimization (TCO) support in C compilers is a relatively recent development, with mainstream adoption emerging around 2025. It explores the historical context of why TCO was long absent from C and the implications for functional programming on the platform.
Background
Tail-call optimization is a compiler technique that reuses the current stack frame for recursive calls, preventing stack overflow. While common in languages like Scheme and Haskell, C has historically lacked reliable TCO support despite its relevance to performance-critical and functional-style programming.
- Source
- Hacker News (RSS)
- Published
- Aug 10, 2026 at 07:34 PM
- Score
- 5.0 / 10