# ECL

> declarative, data centric programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q5322691](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5322691)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECL_(data-centric_programming_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ecl

## Summary
ECL is a declarative, data-centric programming language designed for communicating instructions to a machine. It functions simultaneously as a programming language and a query language within the HPCC Systems environment. Originally developed in 2000, it operates under a proprietary license.

## Key Facts
*   **Instance of:** Programming language, declarative programming language, query language.
*   **Programming Paradigm:** Declarative programming.
*   **Inception:** 2000.
*   **Developers:** ChoicePoint and HPCC Systems.
*   **License:** Proprietary license (Copyrighted).
*   **Website:** https://hpccsystems.com/
*   **Formal Description:** Described as a "declarative, data centric programming language."
*   **Documentation:** Described at URL https://hpccsystems.com/training/documentation/ecl-language-reference/html.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of programming language is ECL?
A: ECL is a declarative, data-centric programming language. Unlike imperative languages, it focuses on declaring what the program should accomplish rather than detailing the control flow.

### Q: Who developed ECL and when was it created?
A: ECL was developed by ChoicePoint and HPCC Systems. It was originally inceptioned in the year 2000.

### Q: Is ECL free to use?
A: No, ECL is distributed under a proprietary license and is categorized as copyrighted software.

## Why It Matters
ECL matters in the field of data processing because it bridges the gap between traditional programming and data query languages. By utilizing a declarative paradigm, it allows developers and data engineers to focus on the logic of data transformation rather than the underlying implementation details of how the machine processes that data.

Its classification as a "data-centric" language highlights its specialization; it is optimized for handling data operations specifically rather than general-purpose computing tasks. This makes it a significant tool within the HPCC Systems ecosystem, providing a high-level abstraction for complex data manipulation that standard procedural languages might handle with more difficulty. Its existence since 2000 demonstrates a long-standing specialized approach to data management that predates many modern "big data" frameworks.

## Notable For
*   **Data-Centric Design:** Unlike general-purpose languages, ECL is optimized specifically for data operations and logic.
*   **Hybrid Classification:** It is distinct for being categorized as both a full programming language and a query language simultaneously.
*   **Declarative Paradigm:** It distinguishes itself from imperative languages by allowing programmers to describe the desired result rather than the step-by-step process.
*   **Proprietary Ecosystem:** It is a notable component of the HPCC Systems platform, developed originally by ChoicePoint.

## Body
### Nature and Classification
ECL (Enterprise Control Language) is formally classified as a **declarative programming language**. It is designed to be data-centric, meaning its primary constructs and operations are oriented around data manipulation and retrieval rather than general algorithmic control flow. In the Wikidata hierarchy, it is recognized as an **instance of** a programming language and a query language.

### Development History
The language was created in **2000**. Development is attributed to **ChoicePoint** and **HPCC Systems**. It serves as the primary language for the HPCC (High-Performance Computing Cluster) platform.

### Technical Specifications and Licensing
ECL operates under a **proprietary license**, meaning it is copyrighted and not open-source in the traditional sense. Detailed technical specifications and syntax rules are maintained in the official ECL Language Reference, available at the HPCC Systems documentation URL.

*   **Paradigm:** Declarative programming
*   **License:** Proprietary
*   **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted