> Could you compile the compiler with itself, for example?

That's only possible if you write the compiler in the language it compiles. By this account writing a Python compiler in something else than Python, for example in C, would make it incomplete? It doesn't make much sense.

> If you're taking a course (…)

You should read my post more carefully, I think.

> I was referring to the complete lack of flow control. Could you compile the compiler with itself, for example?

This is not a requirement for it to be a compiler.

> They are also VM-based, and self-compiling, yet still tiny. I think they really raised the bar on what a tiny-and-complete compiler is.

The purpose of OP's compiler is educational so this comparison makes no sense.

While it may not be "a requirement", considering that the very first compiler I'm aware of (Böhm's) was already written in itself, it's a fairly valid question why wouldn't you make an educational compiler with these properties.

> an educational compiler with these properties

Far from the only one, but here was mine: https://codewords.recurse.com/issues/seven/dragon-taming-wit...

You did pick up that the author is an associate professor teaching classes, not a student, right?

How studying something super optimized to be small is more practical than learning something step by step?

I am not saying studying those tiny compilers is not useful, just that they are not a good starting point for most people. First you need to learn the basics then you can learn (and appreciate) those tiny compilers.

It's because everything can be seen at once. The feeling of "that's it?" when you realise the underlying simplicity. Most people think compilers must be incomprehensibly complex. Yet the truth is far from that.

seriously he did tell you to read the original post and just a couple of click laters you can find out the OP is a professor not a student..

I thought personal insults and appeal to authority were frowned upon here.

It is, but I think he is understandably upset because people are engaging with you in good faith but you aren’t reading or acknowledging what they write. Sometimes, it’s good to just take a step back and start with something like “Oops, I missed you are a professor and this is a teaching tool. Disregard that part. I do think, however…”

Otherwise, you’re bound to annoy someone even if you think you are technically contributing.

The whole point is that I absolutely don't care who or what he is; everyone can learn from the C4 family, and if anything, it would be highly suited to someone teaching compilers.

Otherwise, you’re bound to annoy someone

I see the title has been changed now, but I was certainly annoyed when it was advertised here as a "complete" compiler.

Telling a professor to take C4x86, twice nonetheless, is itching me to create throwaway as well