# Cat

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q2941568](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2941568)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cat

## Summary
Cat is a concatenative programming language created in 2006. It is influenced by the Joy programming language and serves as a language for communicating instructions to a machine.

## Key Facts
- Cat is a concatenative programming language, a specialized type of programming language.
- It was created in 2006, though influenced by the earlier Joy programming language from 2001.
- Cat is licensed under the MIT License, making it free and open-source software.
- The official website for Cat is http://www.cat-language.com/.
- Cat has a Freebase ID of /m/02qdfmg.
- It is documented in both French and Russian Wikipedia languages.
- Cat has 2 sitelinks across Wikipedia editions.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a concatenative programming language?
A: Cat belongs to the concatenative programming language class, which means programs are built by concatenating fragments of code together, where the output of one operation becomes the input to the next, enabling a stack-based evaluation model.

### Q: Is Cat still being developed or maintained?
A: The source material doesn't provide information about current development status or maintenance beyond the 2006 inception date and website availability.

### Q: How does Cat differ from other programming languages?
A: Cat distinguishes itself as a concatenative language, positioning it in a different programming paradigm compared to more common imperative or object-oriented languages, with its syntax and evaluation model based on stack operations.

## Why It Matters
Cat represents an example of a stack-based concatenative programming language, which offers a different approach to computation compared to more mainstream programming paradigms. As a language influenced by Joy, it contributes to the exploration of alternative programming models that can sometimes provide more elegant solutions for certain types of problems, particularly those involving data transformation. The MIT licensing ensures that Cat remains freely available for study, modification, and use, contributing to the diversity of programming tools available to developers and researchers.

## Notable For
- Being a concatenative programming language, placing it in a distinct programming paradigm from mainstream languages.
- Its MIT License, making it freely available for use and modification.
- Being influenced by the Joy programming language, demonstrating a lineage in the concatenative language family.
- Having documentation in French and Russian Wikipedia, indicating international interest and accessibility.

## Body
### Overview
Cat is a programming language designed to communicate instructions to machines. As a concatenative language, it follows a particular paradigm where programs are constructed by concatenating code fragments. The language has been made available through its official website at http://www.cat-language.com/.

### Classification
Cat belongs to two related classes: programming languages in general and more specifically, concatenative programming languages. This classification positions Cat alongside other languages that use a stack-based evaluation model, where operations consume and produce values that are stored on a stack data structure.

### Technical Details
Cat is distinguished by its concatenative nature, which differs from more common programming paradigms. The language is documented in multiple languages, with available versions in French and Russian Wikipedia. It maintains a presence with 2 sitelinks across Wikipedia editions, indicating a level of documentation and community interest.

### Development
Cat was created in 2006, building upon the foundation of the earlier Joy programming language from 2001. This influence is explicitly noted in the language's development history. The language has been made available to the public through its dedicated website, where documentation and resources can be accessed.

### Licensing
Cat is distributed under the MIT License, which allows for free use, modification, and distribution of the software. This permissive licensing model has contributed to the accessibility and adoption of the language within programming communities interested in alternative programming paradigms.