In the world of programming, having a reliable and functional programming language at your disposal is paramount for creating seamless applications. However, have you ever wondered how many programmers out there are using some of the weirdest programming languages to develop their applications? Surprisingly, quite a few. These peculiar coding languages might not be the go-to choice for renowned tech giants, but they offer a unique and valuable addition to any programmer’s portfolio. Let’s dive into the top ten weirdest programming languages of 2023 and discover the intriguing world of coding beyond the ordinary.
1. Whitespace: Where Space and Tabs Are the Code
At the top of our list is Whitespace, a programming language that takes minimalism to the extreme. This imperative stack-based language uses only space, tabs, and linefeeds to convey meaning. In Whitespace, code is written in a form known as IMP (Instruction Modification Parameter). The simplicity of this language is both its strength and its quirkiness.
2. Befunge: A 2-Dimensional Challenge
Befunge is not your typical coding language. In fact, it’s one of the oldest and most famous 2-Dimensional programming languages. Befunge-93, a variant of this language, is renowned for its unusual syntax and sets of commands. It processes input strings character by character and operates on a unique data model and instruction set, making it a truly bizarre yet captivating choice for programmers.
3. Rockstar: Programming with a Musical Twist
Rockstar is a programming language that adds a musical twist to coding. This dynamically-typed language allows developers to create programs with the power and flair of hair metal ballads. Its official reference implementation, known as Satriani, is written in JavaScript, making it compatible with browsers and supporting NodeJS for server-side and larger projects. If you’re looking for a language that rocks, Rockstar might be your jam.
4. Trumpscript: Coding with a Presidential Touch
Trumpscript is a programming language inspired by none other than the illustrious Donald Trump. This language comes with a set of unique features, such as the absence of floating-point numbers, requirements for numbers to exceed one million, and restrictions on import statements. In Trumpscript, programmers replace “true” and “false” with “fact” and “lie,” and every program must include the phrase “America is great.” It’s undoubtedly a coding language with a political twist.
5. Glass: Where Postfix Meets Object Orientation
Glass is a programming language that combines unintuitive postfix notation with heavy object orientation. Programmers who choose Glass must master the art of juggling the main stack while dealing with the intricacies of object-oriented structures. The language’s elements are parsed into distinct categories, including names, strings, numbers, and comments. Glass may not be for the faint of heart, but it offers a unique challenge for developers.
6. Brainf*ck: A Challenge for Memory Cells
Brainfck, or its various alternative names, is an esoteric programming language known for its minimalistic design. It operates on an array of memory cells, each initially set to zero. The language’s simplicity can be deceptive, as it challenges programmers to perform complex tasks with minimal resourchttps://youtu.be/Wchru8alhaE?si=mwanMIlD1YR3SqL8es. Despite its unconventional name, Brainfck remains a popular choice among enthusiasts.
7. Chicken: Clucking Your Way Through Code
Chicken is another esoteric programming language that takes minimalism to a new level. In Chicken, the only valid symbol is, unsurprisingly, “chicken.” Each line of code consists of tokens such as “chicken,” spaces, and line breaks, with the number of chickens indicating an opcode. This quirky language features opcodes with names like axe, chicken, add, fox, rooster, peck, and BBQ. If you’re looking for a coding language with a poultry twist, Chicken has you covered.
8. LOLCODE: When Memes Inspire Coding
LOLCODE is a programming language inspired by the internet meme “lolcat.” It’s a dynamically typed language that incorporates elements of internet slang into its syntax. LOLCODE supports various data types, including NOOB, NUMBR, NUMBAR, YARN, TROOF, and BUKKIT. Programmers can utilize a range of functions and operators, employing a prefix notation for math and boolean operations. LOLCODE brings humor and uniqueness to the world of coding.
9. English: Nonsensical Coding with Synonyms
English, the language we speak every day, is also a programming language, albeit a peculiar one. This language allows programmers to craft nonsensical sentences, often employing synonyms for keywords. It features seven types of statements, including declarations, displays, function calls, loops, if-else conditions, and stops. English even has a standard library for added functionality, including support for arrays, strings, and sockets.
10. Ook!: Code for Orangutans
Closing our list is Ook!, a programming language designed for orangutans, or at least, that’s the idea. With minimal syntax elements, Ook! aims to provide a writable and readable coding experience, even for primates. Notably, instead of using the word “monkey,” programmers utilize “banana.” This unique language employs three distinct syntax elements: Ook., Ook?, and Ook!. It’s a fascinating language with a playful twist.
In conclusion, while these weirdest programming languages may not be mainstream choices for most developers, they offer a glimpse into the diverse and creative world of coding. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of Whitespace, the musicality of Rockstar, or the political undertones of Trumpscript, each of these languages brings its own brand of quirkiness to the table. So, if you’re looking to expand your coding horizons and add a touch of eccentricity to your portfolio, consider exploring one of these unique programming languages in 2023.