Tech moves fast! Stay ahead of the curve with Techopedia!
Join nearly 200,000 subscribers who receive actionable tech insights from Techopedia.
Break-Even Point
Definition - What does Break-Even Point mean?
A programming language is said to reach a “break-even point” when it can be implemented in itself. For example, a Lisp interpreter that is written in Lisp as well. One major goal for a new programming language is to reach the break-even point, as it is easier to ship programming tools if they do not depend on another language.
Techopedia explains Break-Even Point
The break-even point is when a programming language can be implemented in the programming language itself. For example, a C compiler might be able to compile its own C source code. New programming languages are often written in an existing language. Reaching the break-even point allows a developer to ignore the original implementation and focus on developing a new language.
Lisp is famous for its ability to re-implement itself. A Lisp compiler written in Lisp was developed in 1962 at MIT. Many other programming languages have reached the break-even point.
![[Free eBook] Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (a $14.95 Value)](http://www.techopedia.com/images/uploads/w_unir01c8w.jpg?mode=fit&width=200&height=150)
![[Free Research Report] Data Center & Infrastructure Report: Outlook for 2020](http://www.techopedia.com/images/uploads/data-center-report-aad.jpg?mode=fit&width=200&height=150)
