Computer Programming Languages




BASIC, Snobol, Algol, Speedcode, Pascal, Forth, C, C++, COBOL, LISP, Logo, APL, Fortran, Ada, Modula-2, RPG, Java, ...   These programming languages are well-known and (more or less) well-loved throughout the computer industry.

There are numerous other languages, however, that are less well-known yet still have ardent devotees.   In fact, these little-known languages generally have the most fanatic admirers.   Listed below are some of these obscure languages:


SIMPLE


SIMPLE is an acronym for Sheer Idiot's Mono-purpose Programming Linguistic Environment.   This language, developed at the Hanover College for Technological Misfits, was designed to make it impossible to write code with errors in it.   The statements are therefore confined to BEGIN, END, and STOP.   No matter how you arrange the statements, you can't make a syntax error.

Programs wriiten in SIMPLE do nothing useful.   Thus, they achieve the results of programs written in other languages without the tedious, frustrating process of testing and debugging.


SLOBOL

SLOBOL is best known for the speed, or lack of it, of its compiler.   Although many compilers allow you to take a coffee break while they compile, SLOBOL compilers allow you to take a trip to Bolivia to pick up the coffee.   Forty-three programmers are known to have died of boredorm while waiting for a SNOBOL program to compile.   Weary SNOBOL programmers often turn to a related (but infinitely faster) language, COCAINE.


VALGOL

From its modest beginnings in southern California's San Fernando Valley, VALGOL is enjoying a dramatic surge of popularity across the industry.

VALGOL commands include REALLY, LIKE, WELL, and Y$KNOW.   Variables are assigned with the =LIKE and =TOTALLY operators.   Other operators include the "CALIFONIA BOOLEANS": FERSURE and NOWAY.   Repetitions of code are handled in FOR-SURE loops.   Here is a sample VALGOL program:
14 LIKE, Y$KNOW (I MEAN) START
%% IF
PI A =LIKE BITCHEN AND
01 B =LIKE TUBULAR AND
9 C =LIKE GRODY**MAX
4K (FERSURE)**2
18 THEN
4I FOR I =LIKE 1 TO OH MAYBE 100
86 DO WAH + (DITTY**2)
9 BARF(I) =TOTALLY GROSS(OUT)
-17 SURE
1F LIKE BAG THIS PROGRAM
? REALLY
$$ LIKE TOTALLY (Y$KNOW)


VALGOL is characterized by its unfriendly error messages.   For example, when the user makes a syntax error, the interpreter displays the message, "GAG ME WITH A SPOON!"


LAIDBACK

Historically, VALGOL is a derivative of LAIDBACK, which was developed at the (now defunct) Marin County Center for T'ai Chi, Mellowness, and Computer Programming, as an alternative to the more intense atmosphere in nearby Silicon Valley.

The center was ideal for programmers who liked to soak in hot tubs while the y worked.   Unfortunately, few programmers could survive there for long, since the center outlawed pizza and RC Cola in favor of bean curd and Perrier. Many mourn the demise of LAIDBACK because of its reputation as a gentle language.   I CAN'T DEAL WITH THAT.


SARTRE

unstructured language.   Statements in SARTRE have no purpose: they just are there.   Thus, SARTRE programs are left to define their own functions.   SARTRE programmers tend to be boring and depressed and are no fun at parties.


FIFTH

FIFTH is a precision mathematical language in which the data types refer to quantity.   The data types range from CC, OUNCE, SHOT, and JIGGER to FIFTH (hence the name of the language), LITER, MAGNUM, and BLOTTO.   Command refer to ingrdients such as CHABLIS, CHARDONNAY, CABERNET, GIN, VERMOUTH, VODKA,SCOTCH, and WHATEVERSAROUND.

The many versions of the FIFTH language reflect the sophistication and financial status of its users.   Commands in the ELITE dialect include VSOP and LAFITE, while commands in the GUTTER dialect include HOOTCH and RIPPLE.   The latter is a favorite of frustrated FORTH programmers who end up using the language.


C-

This language was named for the grade received by its creator when he submitted it as a class project in a graduate programming class.   Named after the late existential philosopher, SARTRE is an extremely C- is best described as a "low-level" programming language.   In fact, the language generally requires more C- statements than machine-code statements to execute a given task.   In this respect, it is very similar to COBOL.


LITHP

This otherwise unremarkable language is distinguished by the absence of an "s" in its character set.   Programmers and users must substitute "TH".   LITHP is thaid to be utheful in prothething lithtth.


DOGO

Developed at the Massachussetts Institute of Obedience Training, DOGO heralds a new era of computer-literate pets.   DOGO commands include SIT, STAY, HEEL, and ROLL OVER.   An innovative feature of DOGO is "PUPPIE GRAPHICS", in which a bassett hound leaves a small deposit as he travels across the screen.