# F

> programming language: compiled, structured, array language

**Wikidata**: [Q5427464](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5427464)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F_(programming_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/f-q5427464

## Summary
F is a compiled, structured array programming language designed for high-level abstraction and efficient numerical computation. It emphasizes procedural, modular, and array-based programming paradigms, supporting static and manifest typing. Primarily used in scientific and technical applications, F focuses on clarity and performance for specialized tasks.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: High-level programming language, array programming language, and compiled language.
- **Typing Discipline**: Static typing and manifest typing (explicit type declarations).
- **Programming Paradigms**: Procedural programming, array programming, and modular programming.
- **Development Focus**: Numerical and scientific computing, leveraging array operations for efficiency.
- **Sitelink Count**: 3 (limited online presence compared to mainstream languages).
- **Distinction**: Differentiated from F# and other "F"-named languages (via `different_from` property).
- **Library of Congress ID**: `sh96007617` (authority control identifier).

## FAQs
### Q: What is F used for?
A: F is designed for numerical and scientific computing, emphasizing array operations and structured programming for efficiency in technical applications.

### Q: How does F differ from F#?
A: F is a compiled array language focused on procedural and modular programming, while F# is a functional-first, .NET-based language with different paradigms and use cases.

### Q: What typing system does F use?
A: F employs static typing and manifest typing, requiring explicit type definitions to ensure clarity and reliability in compiled code.

## Why It Matters
F represents a specialized approach to array programming, optimizing performance for numerical tasks while maintaining high-level abstraction. Its emphasis on static typing and modular design addresses the need for both efficiency and maintainability in technical computing. Although less widely adopted than general-purpose languages, F influenced the development of domain-specific tools and demonstrated the value of array-centric syntax in solving complex computational problems. Its legacy persists in niche applications where clarity and speed in data manipulation are critical.

## Notable For
- **Array Programming Focus**: Native support for array operations as a core language feature.
- **Static Typing**: Ensures type safety and performance optimization during compilation.
- **Compilation-Based Efficiency**: Directly compiles to machine code for faster execution in numerical workloads.
- **Domain-Specific Design**: Tailored for scientific and technical computing, distinguishing it from general-purpose languages.

## Body
### Language Paradigm
F combines **procedural programming** (organizing code into procedures/functions), **array programming** (manipulating arrays as first-class entities), and **modular programming** (structuring code into reusable modules). This blend supports structured development of applications requiring intensive numerical computations.

### Typing System
- **Static Typing**: Types are checked at compile time, preventing runtime errors.
- **Manifest Typing**: Explicit type declarations are mandatory, enhancing code readability and reliability.

### Compilation
As a **compiled language**, F translates source code directly into machine code, enabling faster execution compared to interpreted languages. This compilation process optimizes array operations for performance-critical applications.

### Legacy and Influence
While F has a limited online presence (3 sitelinks), its design principles influenced later array-focused languages and tools. Its emphasis on array manipulation as a linguistic primitive remains relevant in domains like data analysis and scientific simulation.

### Technical Specifications
- **Wikipedia Title**: "F (programming language)" (English, Persian, Vietnamese editions).
- **Identifier**: Yale LUX ID `concept/df87aa6c-05af-436f-a1ab-9382714069c7`.
- **Authority Control**: Library of Congress ID `sh96007617`, National Library of Israel J9U ID `987007558822305171`.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File