The Howdy Glossary

POP-2, developed in the early 1970s by Robin Popplestone for the POPLOG Project at the University of Sussex, is an early example of an object-oriented programming language. It was designed to support dynamic inheritance and polymorphism, facilitating the creation of interactive artificial intelligence (AI) systems specifically within academic and research contexts. The language aimed to provide a flexible platform for researchers to experiment with AI programming, emphasizing dynamic behavior and object-oriented concepts.

Notable for its avant-garde support of dynamic inheritance and polymorphism, POP-2 distinguished itself by enabling programmers to develop flexible AI systems within the academic environment. These advanced features set it apart from mainstream languages of its time, although contemporaneous languages like Smalltalk and Simula shared some similarities. Despite not achieving widespread adoption beyond research labs and academia, POP-2's innovative design allowed it to carve out a unique niche focused on complex AI applications.

While other object-oriented languages aimed at broader application domains were emerging around the same time, POP-2 maintained a distinct competitive edge through its specialization in interactive AI programming. Its tailored environment emphasized flexibility and dynamic behaviors necessary for advanced AI development. This focus made it particularly suitable for researchers working on cutting-edge projects within academic settings, solidifying its position as a significant tool in early AI research despite limited mainstream usage.