Which programming language(s) were used to code Windows Vista?
+17
A:
Well, the Windows kernel is still almost entirely C. However, there are different aspects that use C++, say some parts of the shell and so forth. The core is C. Other languages, perhaps even .NET might be used in some corners for certain applications but C is the OS language of choice in Windows.
BobbyShaftoe
2008-12-19 13:40:12
There's a research project by Microsoft called Singularity, a 99% managed code (C#) Operating System. <a href="http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/groups/os/Singularity/">Link</a>
Pwninstein
2008-12-19 13:41:50
I guess html comments don't work here, sorry!
Pwninstein
2008-12-19 13:42:22
Singularity uses some assembly and C to boot up, I assume the runtime/JIT is also written in C and the rest is all C#. Its quite interesting as it statically verifies the managed code before execution, compiles it to native code on the fly and then executes it. I must reread their SIGOPS papers.
Dan
2008-12-19 13:56:54
Thanks, yeah I know about Singularity. But that's a research project. :)
BobbyShaftoe
2008-12-19 14:25:33
+2
A:
I would imagine a combination of C/C++ and Assembly (for device interaction).
Pwninstein
2008-12-19 13:40:12
It's some combination of Objective/C/++/#/++0x/. You know, those languages with that letter in it.
mquander
2009-04-01 21:42:37
+3
A:
Multiple languages would have been used to create Vista.
For the low level parts, C and assembly language.
The majority would have been in C / C++.
Some of the higher level applications may have been written in managed code.
Paul
2008-12-19 13:40:56
A:
As far as I remember, the Windows Research Kernel (which is, afaik, based on XP) is written in C. I assume the rest is too. However, just because the kernel is written in C, doesn't mean the entire operating system is. There are also libraries, tools and applications without which Windows would be pretty useless. Of these, I assume that most are written in C, C++ or C#, though thats just an assumption.
Dan
2008-12-19 13:43:19
+1
A:
From working with the Windows CE operating system I'd say its a mix of C for the old school code and interfaces, and a lot of C++ behind the scenes for drivers and other code. It (WinCE) uses C++ in the drivers behind a C interface to the rest of the system.
Now I'm going to guesstimate and say there are many bits of C# and other code in it now as well.
Daemin
2008-12-19 14:25:04
Yes, but it's still an educated guess based on similarities between the WinCE and Win32 API's and the time frame in which both were developed.If one really wants to know then someone should track down the Windows NT/2000 code that was leaked a few years back.
Daemin
2009-11-18 03:08:26
I take it from the down mods that people don't like posting educated guesses as answers even though they contain the same languages as the other upmodded answers.
Daemin
2009-11-18 03:09:22
A:
its truely vb based with links to c core is basic still sloppy and terrible os
fdfdf
2010-03-13 04:43:57