ALGOL (ALGOrithmic Language) was designed in the late 1950s with memory safety principles that were decades ahead of their time. By integrating ALGOL68 into the Linux kernel, we're not just improving security - we're making a statement about the cyclical nature of computer science innovation and drawing attention to the neglected history of the field.
ALGOL68 is the 3rd major specification of ALGOL and an ambitious redesign of the language. It has been regarded as one of the most influencial programming languages of all times, notable for being especially efficient, elegant, and correct. Security follows naturally.
In 2022, the Linux kernel got support for a 2nd high-level language. But Rust insists upon itself. By 2026, Linux will finally get memory safety done right.
Memory safety mechanisms are not recent innovations but established techniques dating back to 1961 - when they were successfully implemented in ALGOL. These mechanisms address persistent failure modes in systems programming. Contrary to common assertions in systems programming communities, these approaches have historical precedent and proven effectiveness. The safety features in ALGOL-FOR-LINUX build upon this technical lineage rather than representing a novel experimental approach.