# class-based programming language

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q28922858](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28922858)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/class-based-programming-language

## Summary
A class-based programming language is a specific type of programming language that serves as a manifestation of the class-based programming paradigm. It is categorized as a subclass of object-based languages and is used to communicate instructions to a machine.

## Key Facts
- Class-based programming languages are a subclass of object-based languages.
- They are the primary manifestation of the class-based programming paradigm.
- Smalltalk is a foundational example of this language type, with an inception date of 1972.
- Objective-C, established in 1984, is a general-purpose, high-level, object-oriented language within this category.
- Visual Basic for .NET is a class-based language that was introduced in 2001.
- Squirrel is a related programming language that dates back to September 6, 2003.
- Wren is another programming language identified as being related to this entity.
- The topic is formally classified under "Category:Class-based programming languages."

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between a class-based language and an object-based language?
A: A class-based programming language is a specific subclass of an object-based language. While both are used for communicating instructions to machines, the class-based variety specifically implements the class-based programming paradigm.

### Q: When did class-based programming languages first appear?
A: Based on the provided records, Smalltalk is one of the earliest examples, with its inception dating back to 1972. This was followed by other notable languages like Objective-C in 1984.

### Q: Are there modern examples of class-based programming languages?
A: Yes, the paradigm has continued to evolve with the introduction of Visual Basic for .NET in 2001 and the programming language Squirrel in 2003. Wren is also a contemporary language associated with this classification.

## Why It Matters
Class-based programming languages represent a significant branch of software development history and structure. By serving as a subclass of object-based languages, they provide a specific framework for the class-based programming paradigm. Their importance is reflected in their long-standing presence in the field, beginning with the 1972 inception of Smalltalk and continuing through the development of Objective-C in 1984. 

These languages have been instrumental in the creation of general-purpose and high-level instructions for machines. The continued relevance of this language type is evidenced by the development of 21st-century languages such as Visual Basic for .NET (2001) and Squirrel (2003). Because they are categorized as a distinct type of programming language with their own dedicated category, they provide a structured approach to machine communication that has influenced various high-level and general-purpose programming environments for over five decades.

## Notable For
- **Paradigm Manifestation:** Serving as the primary manifestation of class-based programming.
- **Historical Longevity:** Featuring foundational languages like Smalltalk that date back to the early 1970s.
- **Diverse Implementations:** Encompassing a range of languages from general-purpose, high-level systems like Objective-C to specialized languages like Wren and Squirrel.
- **Structural Hierarchy:** Being formally classified as a subclass of object-based languages within the broader programming language hierarchy.

## Body

### Classification and Hierarchy
Class-based programming languages are defined as a specific type of programming language. They exist as a subclass of object-based languages, which are broader languages used for communicating instructions to machines. The primary manifestation of these languages is the class-based programming paradigm.

### Historical Timeline
The development of class-based languages spans several decades:
- **1972:** Smalltalk was established, marking an early instance of the paradigm.
- **1984:** Objective-C was introduced as a general-purpose, high-level, object-oriented programming language.
- **2001:** Visual Basic for .NET was released, bringing the paradigm to the .NET framework.
- **2003:** Squirrel was launched on September 6, 2003.

### Language Ecosystem
The ecosystem of class-based programming includes various languages with different levels of adoption and specialization. While languages like Visual Basic and Objective-C have high sitelink counts (55 and 50 respectively), others like Squirrel (10 sitelinks) and Wren (1 sitelink) represent different segments of the language category. All these entities are grouped under the main category for class-based programming languages.

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