How Zith's creator rebuilt its compiler core with ByteAsk
Zith's creator rebuilt the core of the language's C++ compiler. ByteAsk did much of the hands-on work, so the developer could stay focused on design.
- Project
- Zith, a new systems programming language
- Codebase
- The Zith compiler, written in C++
- Scope
- Rebuilt the compiler core, then added an interpreter and a WebAssembly runtime
- Duration
- 11 weeks, July to September 2026
- ByteAsk
- Main coding assistant for the project
The challenge
The rebuild touched almost every stage of the compiler. Each new piece had to work with the rest, and the compiler had to keep building on Linux, Windows and WebAssembly while its internals changed.
More time for design
The developer set the architecture and directed the work. ByteAsk carried each decision through the code, the tests and the follow-up fixes.
“I could focus on the shape of the system while ByteAsk handled much of the execution work needed to make that shape real.”
Checked before it counts as done
Every change had to build and pass its tests before it was finished. That made some tasks slower, and the developer thought it was worth it: the tests caught problems early.
“They also helped distinguish a feature that merely compiled from one that worked across its intended path.”
Reported unfinished work
When work was unfinished, ByteAsk said so and listed what remained, instead of reporting it as done.
“Clear reports made it easier to decide whether to accept a result, add another test, or continue with a follow-up task.”
The result
The developer’s summary of the project:
“ByteAsk was very good at executing a complex direction once the architecture and goals were made clear, while helping keep the remaining risks visible.”
Evaluate ByteAsk on your own C++
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Written by ByteAsk from the developer's own retrospective of the project, July to September 2026.