by Aseel Al-Dabbagh
Share
by Aseel Al-Dabbagh

In the vast universe of programming, where languages like Python, Java, and C++ reign supreme, lie hidden gems that challenge the very notion of what it means to write code. These are the world’s most unusual programming languages, created not for efficiency or practicality but for art, humor, and the sheer joy of experimentation. Today, we embark on a journey through the quirkier side of coding, exploring languages that will intrigue, amuse, and inspire.
#1 Shakespeare Programming Language
Imagine writing code as if you were penning a play for the Globe Theatre. Shakespeare is a programming language where programs are composed as Shakespearean plays, with characters as variables that interact through dialogue. Operations are performed through exchanges that mimic the drama and wit of the Bard himself. For instance, to add numbers, characters might exchange compliments, while insults could subtract values. Shakespeare challenges programmers to craft code that reads like literature, blending the worlds of programming and classical poetry in the most unexpected way.
Example on the conditional statement in Shakespeare programing language:

#2 Chef Programming Language
In the Chef programming language, programs look indistinguishable from cooking recipes. Variables are ingredients, while operations are cooking methods. The outcome? A program that not only executes but is also theoretically edible. Chef blurs the lines between culinary art and coding, encouraging programmers to whip up code that’s as palatable on the screen as it might be on a plate. A loop, for example, might be represented by stirring a mixture, showcasing the whimsical creativity behind Chef’s design.
An example: the famous “hello world” program:

#3 Whitespace
In the Whitespace programming language, what you don’t see is what gets the job done. Only spaces, tabs, and linefeeds have meaning, making the actual code invisible in traditional text editors. This language turns the concept of programming on its head, as the “empty” space becomes the canvas for creativity. Whitespace challenges developers to think outside the visible spectrum of coding, crafting solutions in a realm unseen.
Whitespace defines a command as a sequence of whitespace characters. For example, [Tab][Space][Space][Space] performs arithmetic addition of the top two elements on the stack.
The following source code is for a Whitespace “Hello world” program. For clarity, it is annotated with S, T and L before each space, tab, and linefeed.

#4 LOLCODE: The Internet Meme as a Language
Born from the colorful world of internet memes, LOLCODE embraces the playful syntax of ‘lolcat’ speak. With commands like “HAI” and “KTHXBYE” framing programs, LOLCODE offers a syntax that’s both amusing and surprisingly functional. It’s a testament to the internet’s culture, encapsulating the humor and creativity of programmers worldwide. LOLCODE serves as a reminder that coding doesn’t always have to be serious business—it can be a form of expression, laughter, and fun.
In LOLCODE, “Hello, World!” can be quite straightforward. Here’s how you would write it:

This code first starts the program with HAI 1.2, then it requests access to standard input/output with CAN HAS STDIO?. The VISIBLE command outputs the string “Hello, World!” to the console. Finally, KTHXBYE indicates the end of the program.
#5 Piet:
Named after the abstract painter Piet Mondrian, Piet is a programming language where programs are images made from abstract art. The language uses 18 different colors to represent directions, instructions, and actions, turning code into a visual masterpiece. In Piet, a programmer becomes both a coder and an artist, painting their way through problem-solving with a palette that blends logic with aesthetics. This is what the famous “Hello, world!” program looks like in piet:
#6 Malbolge: The Mount Everest of Programming
Designed to be almost impossible to use, Malbolge is the programming equivalent of a cryptographic enigma. Named after the eighth circle of Hell in Dante’s Inferno, it’s a language that seems to defy comprehension by design. Writing a program in Malbolge is a Herculean task, making it a language more admired for its complexity and peculiarity than its practicality.
Writing a “Hello, World!” program in Malbolge is a challenging task due to its intentionally obfuscated nature. Here’s an example of a “Hello, World!” program in Malbolge:

This code might not make much sense, but it does output “Hello, World!” when executed in a Malbolge interpreter. It’s worth noting that Malbolge is intentionally designed to be extremely difficult to write programs in, and creating even a simple “Hello, World!” program requires significant effort.
Reflections on the Path Less Coded
These languages remind us that the world of programming is not just about efficiency, scalability, or practicality. It’s also a playground for the imagination, a space where art, humor, and creativity can merge with logic and technology. While you might not use Shakespeare or Chef for your next software project, their existence celebrates the boundless creativity of programmers and the diverse ways we can think about and interact with code.
In the grand tapestry of programming, these unusual languages hold a special place. They encourage us to laugh, to think differently, and to appreciate the wide-ranging possibilities that coding offers. In a field driven by innovation, perhaps the most revolutionary act is to remember that at the heart of coding lies not just algorithms and data structures, but a profound and playful human creativity.