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Like Perl Wasn’t Obtuse Enough…

Originally published by "Joe" on 2004-12-09 17:37:00Z

In case you find Perl programs too easy to follow, Damian Conway has come up with a way for you to write Perl in Latin

This paper describes a Perl module – Lingua::Romana::Perligata – that makes it possible to write Perl programs in Latin. A plausible rationale for wanting to do such a thing is provided, along with a comprehensive overview of the syntax and semantics of Latinized Perl. The paper also explains the special source filtering and parsing techniques required to efficiently interpret a programming language in which the syntax is (largely) non-positional.

I know you want a code snippet:

meo varo haec da. # my $var = @; meis varo haec da. # my ($var) = @ meis varis haec da. # my @var = @_;

(Thanks for the link, Noel.)

Comment by "dz" on 2004-12-09 09:11:00Z
That is the most horrible thing I've ever heard of. I wonder if Jim knows Latin?
Comment by "blkstrat" on 2004-12-09 09:19:00Z
I believe Damian wrote this to demonstrate some basics of syntax and computer languages. If you ever have the chance to hear him speak, his talk on this often morphs into programming in Klingon. Then the screen turns red and the sound crew has to deal with Damian's throat-rending readings of the code. A beautiful and yet scary performance that I would highly recommend. In fact, any time you have a chance to hear Damian speak it's worth your time.
Comment by "Joe" on 2004-12-09 11:16:00Z
Programming in Klingon? Behold, the true pinnacle of geekdom!
Comment by "Josh" on 2004-12-09 13:58:00Z
That is one of the more interesting things I've seen in a while. As close as you're going to come to programming in a "natural" language anytime soon.
Comment by "Jonathan M. Hollin" on 2004-12-10 12:25:00Z
It seems strange to see the words "Perl" and "obtuse" in the same sentence. ;-)