# Handel-C > high-level programming language which targets low-level hardware, most commonly used in the programming of FPGAs **Wikidata**: [Q3782995](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3782995) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handel-C) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/handel-c ## Summary Handel-C is a high-level programming language designed specifically for low-level hardware programming, particularly in the development of FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). It was created by Mentor Graphics and introduced in 2005, offering a unique blend of high-level syntax with direct hardware targeting capabilities. ## Key Facts - **Developer**: Handel-C was developed by Mentor Graphics, a company known for its electronic design automation tools. - **Inception**: The language was introduced in 2005. - **Primary Use**: It is most commonly used for programming FPGAs, bridging the gap between high-level programming and low-level hardware control. - **Typing Discipline**: Handel-C supports multiple typing disciplines, including inference typing, nominative typing, and manifest typing. - **Programming Paradigm**: It follows an imperative programming paradigm, making it accessible to developers familiar with traditional programming languages. - **Website**: The official website for Handel-C is hosted at [http://www.mentor.com/products/fpga/handel-c/](http://www.mentor.com/products/fpga/handel-c/). - **Wikipedia Presence**: The language has Wikipedia entries in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Russian, and Chinese. - **Library of Congress Authority ID**: Handel-C is recognized in the Library of Congress with the authority ID `sh2010013318`. - **National Library of Israel J9U ID**: It is also cataloged in the National Library of Israel under the ID `987007599840105171`. - **Microsoft Academic ID (Discontinued)**: The language was previously indexed in Microsoft Academic with the ID `2776386185`. ## FAQs **What is Handel-C used for?** Handel-C is primarily used for programming FPGAs, allowing developers to write high-level code that directly targets low-level hardware components. **Who developed Handel-C?** Handel-C was developed by Mentor Graphics, a company specializing in electronic design automation tools. **What typing disciplines does Handel-C support?** Handel-C supports inference typing, nominative typing, and manifest typing, providing flexibility in how data types are handled. **When was Handel-C introduced?** Handel-C was introduced in 2005. **What programming paradigm does Handel-C follow?** Handel-C follows an imperative programming paradigm, which is characterized by statements that change a program's state. ## Why It Matters Handel-C is significant because it bridges the gap between high-level programming languages and low-level hardware programming. This makes it easier for developers to program FPGAs without needing to write complex low-level code. By providing a high-level syntax that can directly target hardware, Handel-C simplifies the development process for hardware-related projects, making it more accessible to a broader range of developers. ## Notable For - **High-Level Syntax for Low-Level Hardware**: Handel-C allows developers to use high-level programming constructs while targeting low-level hardware, particularly FPGAs. - **Multiple Typing Disciplines**: The language supports inference typing, nominative typing, and manifest typing, offering flexibility in data type handling. - **Imperative Programming Paradigm**: Handel-C follows an imperative programming paradigm, making it familiar to developers accustomed to traditional programming languages. - **Developed by Mentor Graphics**: The language was created by Mentor Graphics, a well-known company in the field of electronic design automation. ## Body ### Overview Handel-C is a high-level programming language designed to target low-level hardware, particularly FPGAs. It was developed by Mentor Graphics and introduced in 2005. The language is notable for its ability to bridge the gap between high-level programming and low-level hardware control, making it easier for developers to program FPGAs without needing to write complex low-level code. ### Development and History Handel-C was developed by Mentor Graphics, a company known for its electronic design automation tools. The language was introduced in 2005 and has since been used primarily for programming FPGAs. Its development was influenced by the need for a high-level language that could directly target hardware, simplifying the development process for hardware-related projects. ### Typing Discipline Handel-C supports multiple typing disciplines, including inference typing, nominative typing, and manifest typing. This flexibility allows developers to choose the most appropriate typing discipline for their specific needs, enhancing the language's versatility. ### Programming Paradigm Handel-C follows an imperative programming paradigm, which is characterized by statements that change a program's state. This paradigm is familiar to developers accustomed to traditional programming languages, making Handel-C more accessible to a broader range of developers. ### Official Website The official website for Handel-C is hosted at [http://www.mentor.com/products/fpga/handel-c/](http://www.mentor.com/products/fpga/handel-c/). This website provides information about the language, its features, and its applications. ### Wikipedia Presence Handel-C has Wikipedia entries in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Russian, and Chinese. These entries provide detailed information about the language, its history, and its applications. ### Library and Academic Recognition Handel-C is recognized in the Library of Congress with the authority ID `sh2010013318`. It is also cataloged in the National Library of Israel under the ID `987007599840105171`. Additionally, the language was previously indexed in Microsoft Academic with the ID `2776386185`, although this service has been discontinued. ### Influence and Impact Handel-C has had a significant impact on the field of hardware programming by providing a high-level syntax that can directly target low-level hardware. This has made it easier for developers to program FPGAs, simplifying the development process and making it more accessible to a broader range of developers. The language's support for multiple typing disciplines and its imperative programming paradigm have further enhanced its versatility and accessibility. ## References 1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap) 2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File