rho
A refactored, efficient virtual machine for the R language with full compatibility and modern engineering.
What is rho?
Rho is an independent project that refactors the R language interpreter into a modern, efficient virtual machine while maintaining full compatibility. It addresses performance and maintainability limitations in R's original interpreter by applying contemporary software engineering techniques and optional JIT compilation via LLVM.
R language developers and researchers who need better performance from their R code, as well as language implementers interested in modern interpreter/VM design for statistical computing.
Developers choose Rho for its promise of improved R performance through modern VM architecture while maintaining full compatibility, offering an independent development path that can innovate faster than the main R project.
Overview
Rho is an independent project that refactors the R language interpreter into a modern, efficient virtual machine while maintaining full compatibility with existing R code. It aims to improve performance and maintainability using contemporary software engineering techniques, operating separately from the main R development effort.
Key Features
- Full R Compatibility — Maintains complete compatibility with the R language and its ecosystem
- Modern VM Architecture — Refactors the interpreter into a virtual machine using modern C++ and software engineering practices
- LLVM JIT Support — Optional just-in-time compilation via LLVM for improved performance
- Cross-Platform — Tested on Linux and macOS systems with multiple compiler versions
- Independent Development — Developed separately from main R, allowing for architectural innovation
Philosophy
Rho believes that R's interpreter can be re-engineered into a more efficient, maintainable virtual machine without sacrificing compatibility, using modern C++ and compiler technologies to unlock better performance.
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