The Howdy Glossary

Nu is a programming language and set of tools aimed at writing shell scripts using Cocoa libraries. It incorporates an object-oriented message-passing syntax from Objective-C, but in a more concise format. Key features include garbage collection, first-class functions, and macros for metaprogramming. Nu was developed as an open-source project with contributions from industry professionals and enthusiasts, making it compatible with platforms like Mac OS X and Linux.

Nu's distinguishing characteristics include its object-oriented message-passing syntax derived from Objective-C, enabling seamless integration of Cocoa libraries into shell scripts. This feature makes Nu particularly attractive to developers familiar with Cocoa development looking to write expressive and efficient scripts. The language also supports garbage collection and treats functions as first-class objects, enhancing productivity through modern scripting capabilities such as metaprogramming via macros.

In comparison to other popular scripting languages like Python, Ruby, and Perl—which are known for their readability, developer happiness focus, or text processing prowess—Nu offers a unique blend of features tailored for developers seeking a more concise object-oriented scripting solution. By focusing on the power of Cocoa libraries while maintaining simplicity through its streamlined syntax and supportive features like garbage collection and first-class functions, Nu stands out as a compelling choice for crafting sophisticated shell scripts on Mac OS X and Linux platforms.