The Hidden World of Esoteric Programming Languages

Programming languages are the backbone of the digital world, enabling us to create software that powers everything from our smartphones to space exploration. While most developers are familiar with popular languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++, there’s a fascinating and lesser-known realm of programming languages that exist outside the mainstream. These are known as esoteric programming languages, or “esolangs” for short. Esoteric programming languages are not designed for practical use or efficiency. Instead, they are created as a form of artistic expression, puzzles, or to explore unusual concepts in computer science. Some esolangs challenge the very idea of what a programming language can be, while others are designed to be intentionally difficult to use. In this post, we’ll delve into the hidden world of esoteric programming languages, exploring their history, purpose, and some of the most intriguing examples. ...

August 13, 2024 · 10 min · 2020 words · Omid Farhang