Copapy is a python based embedded domain specific language (eDSL) with a copy & patch compiler. It compiles to machine code. It uses the python interpreter for compilation. It generates a directed graph of variables and operations. The compiler generates machine code by composing pre-compiled stencils derived from C code with gcc -O3.
For code execution a executable or library receives the composed machine code, data and patch instructions. The patch instructions are used to correct memory address offsets.
The Project targets applications that profit from fast implementation (e.g. prototyping) and require realtime with low latency as well as minimizing risk of implementation errors not cached during compile time. This applies primarily for applications interfacing hardware, where runtime errors might lead to physical damage. For example robotics, embedded systems and control systems.
Because the language is an embedded language, it can relay heavily on python tooling. While copapy is static typed, it uses Python to derive types during compile time wherever possible. It can get full benefit from python type checkers, to catch type errors even before compilation. Python and Copapy code can be combined seamlessly. Python acts as macro-language for the Copapy program. However, the project is designed in a way that the distinction has typically not to be considered by the programmer.
