# dialect

> relatively small variation or extension of a computer language that does not change its intrinsic nature

**Wikidata**: [Q2458742](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2458742)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialect_(computing))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dialect

## Summary
A **dialect** in computing is a relatively small variation or extension of a programming language that does not fundamentally alter its core nature. It may introduce new features, syntax, or optimizations while remaining compatible with the original language's structure and purpose.

## Key Facts
- A dialect is a subclass of a **programming language**, representing a modified or extended version of an existing language.
- Examples include **Caml** (1985), a dialect of the ML language family, and **OCaml** (1996), an extension of Caml.
- **Standard ML** (1983) and **ZetaLisp** (1980) are notable dialects with formal specifications.
- Dialects like **Stackless Python** and **RPython** modify Python’s implementation or behavior without changing its intrinsic nature.
- **ReScript** (2015) is a dialect that compiles to JavaScript, designed for better type safety and performance.
- **APLX** and **Pbrain** (a Brainfuck variant) demonstrate how dialects can adapt languages for specific use cases.
- The term is also known as *programming language dialect*, *computer language dialect*, or *language dialect*.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between a dialect and a new programming language?
A: A dialect retains the core structure and semantics of its parent language, introducing only minor variations or extensions. A new language, by contrast, may have entirely different syntax, paradigms, or purposes.

### Q: Can dialects of a programming language be incompatible with the original?
A: While dialects aim to preserve intrinsic compatibility, some may introduce features or changes that require adjustments in code written for the original language.

### Q: Are all programming language variants considered dialects?
A: No. Only variations that do not fundamentally change the language’s nature are dialects. Major overhauls or entirely new designs are typically classified as separate languages.

### Q: What are some well-known examples of programming language dialects?
A: Notable examples include **OCaml** (extension of Caml), **Standard ML** (a formalized ML dialect), and **ReScript** (a JavaScript-targeting dialect with static typing).

### Q: Why do dialects exist?
A: Dialects emerge to address specific needs, such as performance optimization, domain-specific functionality, or improved syntax, while leveraging the existing ecosystem of the parent language.

## Why It Matters
Dialects play a crucial role in the evolution of programming languages by allowing incremental innovation without requiring developers to abandon familiar tools or knowledge. They enable experimentation—such as **Stackless Python**’s concurrency model or **ReScript**’s type system—while maintaining compatibility with existing codebases. For industries relying on legacy systems, dialects provide a pathway to modernization without full rewrites. They also foster niche communities, as seen with **Little Smalltalk** or **APLX**, which cater to specialized use cases. By balancing familiarity and innovation, dialects help languages adapt to new challenges, from hardware constraints to developer ergonomics, ensuring longevity and relevance in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

## Notable For
- **Preserving compatibility**: Dialects extend or modify languages without breaking their fundamental design.
- **Domain-specific adaptations**: Examples like **ReScript** (for JavaScript) and **RPython** (for compiler development) tailor languages to specific tasks.
- **Historical significance**: Dialects like **Standard ML** (1983) and **ZetaLisp** (1980) have influenced language design and formal semantics.
- **Implementation diversity**: **Stackless Python** removes the C call stack, demonstrating how dialects can rethink runtime behavior.
- **Bridge between languages**: Some dialects, such as **OCaml**, serve as stepping stones between academic research (e.g., ML family) and practical use.

## Body
### Definition and Scope
A **dialect** is a variant of a programming language that introduces modifications—such as syntax changes, additional features, or optimized implementations—without altering the language’s essential character. Unlike forks or entirely new languages, dialects remain recognizable as descendants of their parent language.

### Relationship to Parent Languages
Dialects inherit most of their structure from a **programming language** but may diverge in:
- **Syntax**: E.g., **APLX** adds features to the APL language while retaining its array-oriented paradigm.
- **Implementation**: **Stackless Python** eliminates the traditional call stack, enabling microthreading.
- **Compilation targets**: **ReScript** compiles to JavaScript but enforces static typing and functional patterns.
- **Semantics**: **Standard ML** formalizes the ML language family with a rigorous type system.

### Historical Examples
- **Caml (1985)**: A dialect of the ML language family, developed at INRIA, which introduced practical improvements for functional programming.
- **OCaml (1996)**: An extension of Caml, adding object-oriented features while retaining ML’s core.
- **Standard ML (1983)**: A formalized dialect of ML with a precise specification, influencing later functional languages.
- **ZetaLisp (1980)**: A Lisp dialect with advanced object-oriented features, used in early AI research.

### Modern Dialects and Use Cases
- **ReScript (2015)**: Designed for large-scale JavaScript applications, it emphasizes type safety and interoperability.
- **RPython**: A restricted subset of Python used to build the PyPy interpreter, demonstrating how dialects can serve meta-programming goals.
- **Pbrain**: A minimalist variant of Brainfuck, illustrating how dialects can explore extreme simplicity or esoteric design.

### Technical Characteristics
- **Backward Compatibility**: Most dialects aim to run existing code from the parent language, though some (e.g., **Little Smalltalk**) may deviate significantly.
- **Tooling and Ecosystem**: Dialects often reuse toolchains (e.g., **OCaml**’s compatibility with Caml tools) but may require specialized compilers or interpreters.
- **Community Adoption**: Some dialects, like **OCaml**, achieve widespread use, while others (e.g., **Pbrain**) remain niche or experimental.

### Dialects vs. Forks vs. New Languages
- **Dialects**: Retain core identity (e.g., **Standard ML** vs. ML).
- **Forks**: Diverge due to governance or direction (e.g., Python 2 vs. 3, though not strictly a dialect).
- **New Languages**: Introduce fundamental changes (e.g., Rust vs. C, despite superficial syntax similarities).

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "dialect",
  "description": "relatively small variation or extension of a computer language that does not change its intrinsic nature",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialect_(computing)",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8131",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialect_(computing)"
  ],
  "additionalType": "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9143"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013