Qalb is an Arabic programming language developed by Dr. Ossama Othman at Brookhaven National Laboratory, designed to include Arabic keywords and symbols, allowing programs to be written and executed in Arabic. This makes it particularly accessible for teaching programming to Arabic-speaking students and professionals who prefer using their native language in educational or professional settings. By providing a platform where coding concepts are introduced in Arabic, Qalb aims to overcome linguistic barriers and make programming education more inclusive.
The use of familiar linguistic elements makes Qalb stand out, offering a unique approach tailored specifically for Arabic speakers. This feature allows individuals to write code using comfortable terminology, making the learning process more relatable and less daunting for beginners. The language's simplicity further enhances its suitability for teaching introductory programming courses in schools and universities, thus promoting coding education within Arab-speaking communities effectively.
Qalb's competitive advantage lies in its specialization for those who speak Arabic, differentiating it from mainstream languages like Python, Java, or C++ that predominantly use English. While traditional programming languages serve broader purposes globally, Qalb focuses on addressing the needs of a specific demographic by overcoming language-related challenges in technical education. Its design emphasizes accessibility and engagement through the use of native-language keywords and symbols, positioning Qalb as a valuable tool for educators aiming to introduce coding concepts effectively within the framework of Arabic terminology.