The Howdy Glossary

Ballerina is an open-source programming language tailored for building network-distributed systems and integrations. Designed by WSO2, it integrates visual representations of data flows using sequence diagrams directly into the language syntax, enhancing code readability and maintenance. The language includes a robust Standard Library with connectors for HTTP/HTTPS, SQL databases, and native support for Swagger/OpenAPI specifications. Additionally, Ballerina supports concurrent execution with isolated workers running on multiple threads, making it a versatile tool for modern cloud-native applications.

WSO2 developed Ballerina to simplify the development of integration solutions in cloud-native environments. By focusing on network-distributed systems and offering features like visual data flow representation within the syntax, Ballerina aims to make writing and maintaining integration code more efficient. Its Standard Library simplifies common integration tasks through built-in connectors and native API support while its concurrency model enhances performance and scalability. These features provide developers with a cohesive environment specifically designed to address contemporary challenges in building distributed systems.

Ballerina stands out due to its unique combination of features that streamline integration tasks natively without relying on additional libraries or tools—an advantage over traditional languages like Java or Python that may require supplementary resources. Its visual sequence diagrams enhance understanding complex processes visually within the code itself. The concurrent execution model further distinguishes it by enabling improved performance in distributed systems through isolated workers operating on multiple threads. This specialized focus positions Ballerina as a powerful tool specifically catering to developers creating modern integration solutions in cloud-native settings who prioritize efficiency, scalability, and ease of use.