# Curl

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q1144631](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1144631)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curl_(programming_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/curl

## Summary
Curl is a multi-paradigm programming language developed at MIT that combines features of HTML, TeX, and Lisp. It was created by Steve Ward and released in 1998 as a functional and declarative programming language with strong typing discipline.

## Key Facts
- Inception: 1998, developed by Steve Ward at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Latest stable version: 8.0.14 (released January 8, 2024)
- Programming paradigms: functional, declarative, object-oriented, reflective, and multi-paradigm
- Typing discipline: strong typing
- Operating systems: cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Influenced by: HTML, TeX, Lisp, and Q2005
- Developer: Steve Ward and SCSK Corporation
- Freebase ID: /m/0bp8q
- Wikipedia languages: 10 languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Korean

## FAQs
### Q: What is Curl used for?
A: Curl is a programming language designed for creating interactive web applications and documents that combine text, graphics, and computation in a single environment.

### Q: Who created Curl and when?
A: Curl was created by Steve Ward at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and released in 1998.

### Q: What programming paradigms does Curl support?
A: Curl supports multiple programming paradigms including functional, declarative, object-oriented, and reflective programming.

### Q: What are Curl's main influences?
A: Curl was influenced by HTML for web structure, TeX for document formatting, Lisp for functional programming concepts, and Q2005 for additional features.

### Q: Is Curl still actively developed?
A: Yes, Curl continues to be developed with recent versions including 8.0.14 released in January 2024.

## Why It Matters
Curl represents an innovative approach to web and document development by unifying programming and markup in a single language. Unlike traditional web development that requires separate HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, Curl integrates all these capabilities into one cohesive system. This integration reduces complexity and improves performance for applications that need rich interactivity combined with sophisticated document formatting. The language's strong typing discipline and functional programming features make it particularly suitable for building reliable, maintainable applications where correctness is critical. Its development at MIT also reflects academic research into better ways to combine computation and presentation, influencing how developers think about the relationship between code and content.

## Notable For
- Combines programming and markup in a single language, eliminating the need for separate HTML/CSS/JavaScript
- Strong typing discipline uncommon in web-oriented languages
- Multi-paradigm approach supporting functional, object-oriented, and declarative programming
- Integration of document formatting capabilities similar to TeX with web development features
- Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems

## Body
### Development and Origins
Curl was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Steve Ward, beginning in the mid-1990s and released in 1998. The language emerged from research into better ways to combine interactive computation with document formatting and presentation.

### Technical Architecture
The language features strong typing discipline, which helps prevent many common programming errors at compile time. It supports multiple programming paradigms, allowing developers to choose the most appropriate approach for different aspects of their applications. The functional programming features are based on Lisp principles, while the declarative aspects draw from HTML and TeX.

### Versions and Releases
Curl has maintained active development with version 8.0.14 released in January 2024. Previous versions include 8.0.13 (December 2022), 8.0.12 (July 2021), 8.0.11 (January 2021), and 8.0.10 (August 2019). Each release includes improvements to the runtime environment and development tools.

### Platform Support
The language runs on multiple operating systems including Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it truly cross-platform. This broad compatibility ensures applications can reach users regardless of their preferred computing environment.

### Influences and Design Philosophy
Curl draws inspiration from several key technologies: HTML for web structure and semantics, TeX for sophisticated document formatting, Lisp for functional programming concepts, and Q2005 for additional language features. This combination creates a unique environment where developers can seamlessly blend code and content.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "Curl",
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## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. [Curl RTE 8.0.10 and Curl CDE 8.0.10001 is released.](https://www.curl.com/release/2019/20190830.html)
3. [Curl RTE 8.0.11 and Curl CDE 8.0.11001 is released.](https://www.curl.com/release/2021/20210129.html)
4. [Curl RTE 8.0.12 and Curl CDE 8.0.12001 is released.eng](https://www.curl.com/release/2021/20210701.html)
5. [Curl RTE 8.0.13 and Curl CDE 8.0.13001 is released.](https://www.curl.com/release/2022/20221206.html)
6. [Curl RTE 8.0.14 and CDE 8.0.14001 is released](https://www.curl.com/release/2024/20240108.html)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
9. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)