Unsung Programming Languages: Occam and Smalltalk

When delving into the world of programming languages, one often encounters the familiar names like C, Java, or Python that have taken the world by storm. However, there are several lesser-known programming languages that were once considered incredible but never gained widespread popularity, such as Occam and Smalltalk. This article explores the fascinating features and the reasons behind their relative obscurity.

The Wonder of Occam

Occam was a programming language designed specifically for parallel processing. This was particularly important in the field of computing during a time when memory and processing power were limited. Occam was developed in the late 1980s as part of a project at a company where I once worked. Our team focused on building arrays of transputers on printed circuit boards (PCBs), which were specialized processors designed for high-speed parallel computing.

One of the standout features of Occam was its ease of use for managing parallel processes. The language provided developers with the flexibility to choose between sequential and parallel execution using simple keywords. For instance, if a complex calculation needed to be broken down into smaller tasks that could be executed simultaneously, Occam's syntax made this accessible and intuitive. The transputers themselves were connected via four fast serial links, which were significantly faster for their time. This allowed for efficient communication and coordination between the transputers, ensuring that the overall results were accurately calculated.

Smalltalk: The Organizer of Object-Oriented Programming

Smalltalk, on the other hand, revolutionized the programming landscape by introducing the concept of object-oriented programming (OOP). Developed in the early 1980s, Smalltalk is often credited as the first language to fully implement OOP principles. It was a major driving force behind the GUI (Graphical User Interface) and OOP's dominance for several decades.

Despite its revolutionary advancements, Smalltalk never gained the popularity it deserved. Several reasons contribute to this. First and foremost, Smalltalk's strict adherence to its own ecosystem and its insistence on running in a virtual machine or image were significant barriers. Unlike many other languages that seamlessly integrated with the operating system, Smalltalk preferred a more isolated environment. This isolationism may have contributed to its inability to attract a wide user base.

Moreover, by the time Smalltalk matured, other languages like C, Java, Delphi, Visual Basic, Python, and Ruby had already begun to take over the scene. These languages offered more practical features and better integration with the existing systems. They were easier to deploy, required less overhead, and had a more robust community support. As a result, Smalltalk's unique advantages were somewhat overshadowed.

Conclusion

While many programming languages that emerged in the past have gradually lost their relevance, Occam and Smalltalk stand as unique examples. Their contributions to the field of computing remain significant and often awe-inspiring. Although they didn't gain the widespread recognition they deserved, these languages continue to be celebrated by enthusiasts and linguists within the programming community. The stories of Occam and Smalltalk serve as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and the potential pitfalls of rigid innovation.

Explore Further

If you find these languages interesting, you might also want to explore more about parallel processing techniques, the evolution of object-oriented programming, and the history of the transputer technology that made Occam possible. These topics could provide a deeper understanding of the computing landscape of the 1980s and 1990s.