# glue language

> programming language used to make components written in different languages interoperate

**Wikidata**: [Q1017082](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1017082)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/glue-language

## Summary
A glue language is a programming language specifically designed to enable components written in different programming languages to interoperate and communicate effectively. It acts as a binding layer between disparate software components.

## Key Facts
- Glue language is a subclass of programming language.
- Its primary function is to facilitate interoperability between components written in different languages.
- It is also known by the alias 糊言語.
- Its FOLDOC identifier is glue+language.
- Its Freebase identifier is /m/0chqm.
- It has 2 sitelinks.
- Wikipedia articles exist for it in Spanish (es) and Japanese (ja).
- The Wikidata description defines it as: "programming language used to make components written in different languages interoperate."

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main purpose of a glue language?
A: The primary purpose of a glue language is to allow software components written in different programming languages to work together and communicate seamlessly.

### Q: Why are glue languages necessary?
A: They are necessary because large software systems often involve components developed in various languages for different purposes; glue languages bridge the communication gaps between these heterogeneous components.

### Q: How does a glue language differ from a general-purpose programming language?
A: While general-purpose languages can be used for many tasks, a glue language is specifically optimized for the task of connecting and enabling interoperability between components written in *other* languages.

### Q: Can you give an example of a glue language?
A: The provided source material does not list specific examples of glue languages; it only defines the category.

## Why It Matters
Glue languages are crucial in modern software development, especially in complex systems integrating legacy code, specialized libraries, or components built by different teams using diverse languages. They solve the critical problem of interoperability, allowing developers to leverage the strengths of different languages (e.g., performance in C, rapid prototyping in Python, specific domain libraries in Java) within a single application. Without glue languages, integrating such components would be significantly more difficult, often requiring extensive custom interfaces or abandoning the use of optimal tools. They enable modular, flexible, and maintainable software architectures by providing standardized ways for heterogeneous parts to interact.

## Notable For
- Its specific role as a programming language category dedicated to enabling interoperability between components written in different languages.
- Being formally classified as a subclass of programming language within knowledge bases like Wikidata.
- Having established identifiers in technical databases like FOLDOC (glue+language) and Freebase (/m/0chqm).

## Body
### Definition and Classification
- Glue language is defined as a programming language used to make components written in different languages interoperate.
- It is explicitly classified as a subclass of programming language.

### Identifiers and Aliases
- Known by the alias 糊言語.
- FOLDOC ID: glue+language.
- Freebase ID: /m/0chqm (reference: Q15241312, publication date: 2013-10-28).

### Presence in Knowledge Bases
- Wikidata provides the core definition: "programming language used to make components written in different languages interoperate".
- Sitelink count: 2.
- Wikipedia articles available in Spanish (es) and Japanese (ja).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013