Description #
Smalltalk is a pure object-oriented programming language where everything is an object, including numbers, control structures, and code blocks. It’s renowned for its simplicity, dynamic nature, and live programming environment.
History #
Smalltalk was developed in the 1970s at Xerox PARC by Alan Kay, Dan Ingalls, and Adele Goldberg. Originally designed for educational use, it became a pioneering language in graphical user interfaces and object-oriented design.
Hello World Code #
'Hello, World!' printNl.How to Run #
Option 1: Online
https://try.smalltalklang.org/
Option 2: Local
Download Pharo or Squeak
To run:
- Launch the IDE
- Open a workspace
- Type and run:
'Hello, World!' printNl.Key Concepts #
- Pure object-oriented design (everything is an object)
- Dynamically typed and interpreted
- Messages passed between objects
- Code is data (live objects in the environment)
- Integrated development environment with object browser
- Reflective and live debugging tools
- Syntax is minimal and readable
- Encourages exploratory, incremental development
- Pioneered GUI and MVC architecture
- Influenced languages like Ruby, Objective-C, and Python
Try It Online #
Fun Facts #
- The term “object-oriented programming” was coined around Smalltalk’s design.
- Apple and NeXT used Smalltalk principles in designing Objective-C and early GUIs.
- Smalltalk environments allow changing and reloading code while the program runs.
Resources #
Pharo Smalltalk
Squeak Smalltalk
Try Smalltalk
Awesome Smalltalk List
