The Howdy Glossary

Newspeak is a programming language that integrates aspects from Smalltalk, Self, and Eiffel, emphasizing features such as module systems, type-safe programming, and a unique object-oriented approach based on direct message passing rather than inheritance. Created by Gilad Bracha, Peter von Roy, and Ian Piumarta to address software evolution needs, Newspeak emphasizes simplicity, orthogonality, scalability while maintaining coding expressiveness. This design allows modular changes without needing rewrites or compromising code integrity.

Developed by well-respected computer scientists—Bracha having contributions to Java and Strongtalk; von Roy specializing in object-oriented programming languages; and Piumarta with expertise in virtual machine architecture—Newspeak was conceived to enhance security and modularity within software systems. The intent behind its creation was to provide a solution for the evolving demands of secure and flexible software systems through innovative language features like those derived from Smalltalk's dynamism, Self's prototype-based inheritance model avoided in favor of direct message passing for better flexibility.

Newspeak distinguishes itself from other popular languages like Java, C++, Python, and Ruby through its focus on enhancing security and modularity. Unlike traditional inheritance-based approaches prevalent in these languages, Newspeak uses direct message passing which promotes simplicity and orthogonality while allowing expressive code practices. Its module system supports structural changes without breaking existing code ensuring flexibility and maintainability. Furthermore, the type-safe environment bolsters robust coding standards making it ideal for developers prioritizing security in their projects. These unique attributes position Newspeak as a specialized language tailored for developing secure and adaptable applications amidst complex software evolution challenges.