C++, D, Go, Rust. Each of these languages are systems programming languages. By definition, a systems programming language is used to construct software systems that control underlying computer hardware and to provide software platforms that are used by higher level application programming languages used to build applications and services. Often, systems languages are used to build operating systems, compilers, device drivers, factory automation, robots, high performance mathematical software, AAA games (Xbox, PlayStation, PC), even computational art. It goes without saying that today there is a significant overlap between "application" and "system". Or is there?

In this panel, we'll address the past, present and future of systems programming languages with the authors of four systems languages currently in different stages of evolution, from brand new (Rust) to established and widely used in practice (C++). This is an interactive panel, so we expect the audience in the room, which will be composed of language designers and implementers, to drive the conversation.