SectorC: A C Compiler in 512 bytes (2023)

SectorC is a compact C compiler designed to fit within the 512-byte boot sector of an x86 machine, making it potentially the smallest C compiler ever created. It supports a significant subset of C, allowing for the development of functional programs. The compiler was inspired by various programming concepts and aims to minimize code size while maintaining functionality. Key features include support for global variables, functions, control statements, and inline assembly. The development process involved innovative approaches to tokenization and parsing, leading to a unique variant of C dubbed "Barely C," which utilizes space-delimited tokens to reduce complexity. The final implementation achieved a size of 303 bytes, allowing for advanced features like nested statements, operators, and inline machine code. The compiler also includes a runtime library for I/O operations, enabling practical applications such as graphics and sound on x86-16 systems. Overall, SectorC exemplifies how creative problem-solving can lead to achieving seemingly impossible goals in software development.

- SectorC is a C compiler that fits within a 512-byte boot sector.

- It supports a large subset of C, enabling the creation of functional programs.

- The compiler uses innovative tokenization and parsing techniques to minimize size.

- The final implementation is 303 bytes, supporting advanced programming features.

- SectorC includes a runtime library for I/O operations on x86-16 systems.