Beyond the Hype: Why C is the Ultimate Language for Dependable, Long-Lasting Code

In a landscape of ever-changing programming languages, developer Eskil Steenberg makes a compelling case for the enduring power and simplicity of C. This is a deep dive into a philosophy of engineering that prioritizes clarity, control, and building things that last.

The Unconventional Path of a Programmer

Eskil Steenberg's journey into programming was anything but typical. A high school dropout driven by a passion for art and film, his entry into code was born from necessity—bridging the gap between artists and programmers on a PlayStation 1 game. His first programming language was C, learned from a book on vacation, and it set the foundation for a career built on self-reliance and a deep understanding of systems.

For over a decade, Steenberg worked in isolation, developing a unique, self-taught style. This isolation allowed him to question established computer science norms and form strong opinions on how software should be built, free from the influence of mainstream trends.

The Power of a Small, Stable Language

At the core of Steenberg's philosophy is a staunch advocacy for C, specifically a dependable subset he champions. His argument is not about nostalgia but about practical engineering excellence. He identifies the primary challenge in software development not as writing code, but as debugging and understanding it.

He posits that modern languages, in their quest to add features and reduce typing, often obscure the program's flow and make the hard problems of debugging and maintenance significantly harder. C's simplicity forces explicitness.

He is critical of newer C standards (C23, C2Y), arguing that language committee members are often "language designers" who want to add more features, while the value of C is its small, stable core. He believes many "fixes" in newer standards solve easy problems but introduce complexity that exacerbates harder debugging issues.

A Foundation for Groundbreaking Projects

Steenberg's commitment to C isn't theoretical; it's the foundation upon which he built ambitious, innovative projects:

• Verse: A network protocol and API for real-time collaboration and exchange of 3D graphics data, allowing different applications to act as one unified tool.
• Quel Solaar (a subdivision surface modeler): A unique tool with an invisible UI where users draw to create 3D models, used to create all the art for his games.
• Love: A massively ambitious first-person, multiplayer, procedural action-adventure game. A decade-long project that served as a profound learning experience in game design, teaching that complexity does not necessarily equal engaging gameplay.
• Ministry of Flat (UV wrapping tool): An algorithm that intelligently selects from 14 different methods to unwrap 3D models. Its technology was so robust it was licensed by Maxon and integrated into Cinema 4D.

The Philosophy of Building vs. Maintaining

A recurring theme is Steenberg's critique of the modern software development cycle, which he compares unfavorably to other forms of engineering.

He argues that the ability to patch software after release has created a culture of "I'll fix it later," leading to a constant cycle of breakage and maintenance that consumes vast developer resources. In contrast, shipping finished, stable software—as was necessary in the era of physical discs—encourages a more rigorous and thoughtful approach to building.

"The state of computing today is very sad," he says, pointing out that we carry supercomputers in our pockets that are "incredibly nerfed" by software that is constantly changing and often broken. His vision is for software to be more like a bridge: built once, depended upon for years, and not requiring a permanent maintenance crew.

The Imperative to Build

Beyond code, Steenberg's most passionate argument is a meta-commentary on engineering itself. He believes society massively underestimates the power of building and overestimates the value of debating and protesting.

"The people who impact the world are people who actually build things, who make things happen," he states. He uses the example of electric cars: they became inevitable not when everyone was convinced of their merit, but when a small team built a prototype that proved they were possible.

His advice is to stop complaining about problems and start building solutions, even small ones. Find a domain, make yourself useful by doing the "grunt work," and learn from the experts. This, he argues, is a far more effective way to create change than engaging in endless online debates.

Conclusion: The Enduring Value of Simplicity and Control

Eskil Steenberg's perspective is a powerful reminder that progress isn't always about adopting the newest technology. Sometimes, it's about mastering the fundamentals, understanding a system from the ground up, and having the control to create exactly what you envision.

His advocacy for C is ultimately an advocacy for dependability, clarity, and longevity in a digital world often characterized by the opposite. It's a call for developers to take ownership of their tools, their code, and their impact on the world—by building things that last.