The Howdy Glossary

Ioke is a dynamic and prototype-based programming language created by Ola Bini, emphasizing concurrency and meta-programming. It treats everything as messages, including control structures, and offers robust syntax extension capabilities through macros. Running on the JVM without heavily relying on Java's object-oriented principles, Ioke is particularly suitable for scripting tasks or educational purposes where mainstream languages might be excessive or overly complex.

Ioke distinguishes itself by its unique focus on dynamic features, strong support for concurrency, and treating everything as messages. The language's powerful meta-programming capabilities allow syntax to be defined within Ioke itself through macros. Competing with other dynamic languages like Ruby, Smalltalk, and Self, Ioke stands out by avoiding heavy reliance on Java while still running on the JVM, making it valuable for scripting and teaching environments that require simplicity over complexity.

By offering significant advantages such as concurrency support, message-based structure for all elements including control structures, and defining syntax using the language itself via macros, Ioke provides a versatile choice for developers and educators. It combines simplicity with flexibility needed for dynamic programming and prototyping tasks efficiently in both scripting contexts and educational settings where mainstream languages might be too intricate or overbearing.