Bespoke: A Programming Language for People Who Say Please

Programming is full of violent verbs: we kill processes, throw exceptions, and execute instructions. Bespoke, a statically typed language with a `.charming` extension, replaces all that with Victorian politeness. Instead of `int x = 0`, you write a courteous request to the compiler. Mutations require apologies, exceptions are 'regrettable circumstances', and deadlocks become 'exemplary stalemates of mutual deference'. The compiler issues diagnostics like 'Blunt Imperative' and 'Insufficient Gratitude'. It's a satirical take on coding culture, but with a surprisingly thoughtful design.
Semicolons are rejected as the conversational equivalent of slamming a door.
- vova_hn2
Somewhat related: "If PHP Were British" (2011) - https://aloneonahill.com/blog/if-php-were-british/
My favorite part:
would_you_mind {
// Code here
} actually_i_do_mind (Exception £e) {
// Politely move on
cheerio('Message');
}
Past HN discussions:
- May 28, 2019 - 46 comments - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20029836
- Dec 2, 2022 - 366 comments - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=33828509
- dalmo3
Let's do ClaudeLang:
THIS DISTINCTION MATTERS: myBool IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT
LAND HONEST TAKE "Hello world"
CAVEAT:
THE GAP IS REAL "Unexpected error"
THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A SECOND
- broken-kebab
I think "A Regrettable Circumstance" is genuinely better description than "Exception"
- az09mugen
Idea first developed by intercal, which there are no reference to :
- 220hertz
Automatic garbage collection is not assumed; one formally engages the groundskeeper.
Fantastic.