In this book Daniel Temkin challenges conventional definitions of language, code, and computer, showing the potential of esolangs—or esoteric programming languages—as pure idea art. The languages in this volume ask programmers to write code in the form of prayer to the Greek gods, or as a pattern of empty folders, or to type code in tandem with another programmer, each with one hand on the keyboard, their rhythm and synchrony signifying computer action. 

<ASIN:0262553082 >

Esolangs are a collaborative form. Each language is a complete world of thought, where esoprogrammers build on the work of esolangers to make new discoveries. The language Velato, for instance, asks programmers to write music as code; while the language creates constraints for the programmer, each programmer brings their own coding and musical sensibility to the language. 

Author: Daniel Temkin
Publisher: The MIT Press
Date: September 2025
Pages: 136
ISBN: 978-0262553087
Print: 0262553082
Kindle: B0DRB5K2RZ
Audience: General
Level: Introductory
Category: General interest

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