Compiler Blame Debate

The cluster centers on discussions about whether to blame compilers for bugs or inefficiencies versus programmer responsibility, referencing the adage 'don't blame the compiler' and compiler limitations.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Programming Languages
5,497
Comments
19
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#9567
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2008
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Keywords

AI AAA MIPS OK JIRA www.warp compiler tickets compilers bug language developers java turing compile successfully

Sample Comments

mgaunard Jan 13, 2026 View on HN

Compilers aren't as good at doing that one unfortunately.

Gibbon1 Mar 4, 2015 View on HN

It's up to the author to show us this mythical compiler.

hot_gril Jun 23, 2024 View on HN

It's a lot more than a compiler.

sa-code Sep 9, 2023 View on HN

That's fair, I'm not really a compiler person but what you said makes sense

fouronnes3 Dec 14, 2020 View on HN

yeah this is like saying it must be a compiler bug

WalterBright Jun 5, 2025 View on HN

Me too. My compilers don't do that.

What about "the compiler did that" ?

smegsicle Mar 27, 2023 View on HN

i too look forward to the day when 'don't blame the compiler' is no longer sensible advice

agumonkey Jul 19, 2017 View on HN

Too bad the previous one about compiler isn't.

HelloNurse Jun 11, 2025 View on HN

It's the best that a compiler can be reasonably expected to do.