# Befunge

> 2-dimensional esoteric programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q814269](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q814269)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Befunge)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/befunge

## Summary
Befunge is a 2-dimensional esoteric programming language created in 1993. Unlike traditional programming languages that run linearly, Befunge code is arranged on a grid, allowing for multi-directional execution. It is classified as an esoteric language, meaning it is designed for experimental or recreational use rather than practical, serious application.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** Befunge was created in 1993.
- **Classification:** It is an instance of an esoteric programming language and a programming language.
- **Paradigm:** The language operates under the esoteric programming paradigm.
- **Dimensionality:** It is distinctively described as a 2-dimensional programming language.
- **Influences:** The design of Befunge was influenced by the languages Forth, Brainfuck, and FALSE.
- **Purpose:** As an esoteric language, it is defined as software not aimed for serious use.
- **Documentation:** The language is described by the source "Esolang" and is documented at `catseye.tc`.
- **Identifiers:** It holds the Freebase ID `/m/0d_rd`.

## FAQs
### Q: What distinguishes Befunge from standard programming languages?
A: Befunge is a 2-dimensional esoteric programming language, meaning its instructions are laid out on a grid rather than a linear sequence. It is specifically categorized as "not aimed for serious use," distinguishing it from general-purpose programming languages.

### Q: When was Befunge created?
A: Befunge was created in 1993.

### Q: What languages influenced the development of Befunge?
A: Befunge was influenced by three primary sources: the language Forth, the language Brainfuck, and FALSE (a standard UNIX utility).

## Why It Matters
Befunge holds a specific significance in the landscape of computer science as a foundational example of a 2-dimensional esoteric programming language. Developed in 1993, it challenged the traditional linear paradigm of code execution by introducing a grid-based system where the instruction pointer can move in multiple directions. While it is explicitly defined as a language "not aimed for serious use," its creation contributed to the broader exploration of alternative computational models and the "esoteric programming" genre.

The language serves as a historical reference point within the esolang community, influenced by notable predecessors like Forth, Brainfuck, and FALSE. Its documentation on Esolangs.org and preservation on Cat's Eye Technologies highlights its enduring role as a subject of study and experimentation for programmers interested in the theoretical boundaries of language design.

## Notable For
- Being a **2-dimensional** programming language, a unique structural trait.
- Serving as a prime example of an **esoteric programming language** intended for experimental rather than production use.
- Having a distinct set of influences, including **Forth**, **Brainfuck**, and **FALSE**.
- Maintaining a presence in specialized knowledge bases like **Esolangs.org** and Wikidata since 1993.

## Body
### Classification and Definition
Befunge is strictly defined as a 2-dimensional esoteric programming language. It falls under the broader class of programming languages—languages used to communicate instructions to a machine—but is specifically categorized as "esoteric." This classification indicates that the language is designed for testing the limits of language design or for recreational purposes, rather than for practical software development.

### History and Influences
The language was inceptioned in 1993. Its design was not created in isolation; structured data confirms that Befunge was influenced by:
*   **Forth:** A stack-based programming language.
*   **Brainfuck:** A minimalist esoteric programming language.
*   **FALSE:** A standard UNIX utility and esoteric language.

### Technical Characteristics
The defining technical characteristic of Befunge is its 2-dimensional nature. Unlike standard languages that execute code line-by-line from top to bottom, Befunge code is written on a grid. This structure allows for complex control flow, distinct from the linear execution paths found in conventional programming.

### Documentation and References
Befunge is widely documented within the esoteric language community. Key references include:
*   **Esolangs.org:** The language is described by the source "Esolang" (specifically article ID 1005).
*   **Cat's Eye Technologies:** The official website and definitive reference is hosted at `http://catseye.tc/node/Befunge-93.html`.
*   **Wikipedia:** The entity has a dedicated Wikipedia title "Befunge" with articles in over 10 languages, including English, German, and French.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013