# Helium

> dialect of Haskell

**Wikidata**: [Q5706200](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5706200)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/helium

## Summary
Helium is a programming language and a dialect of Haskell developed by Utrecht University. It runs on the Java virtual machine (JVM) and is implemented using the Java programming language. The project is distributed under the GNU General Public License.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Helium is a dialect of the Haskell computer language.
- **Developer:** The language was developed by Utrecht University (Intelligent Software Systems).
- **Platform:** It operates on the Java virtual machine (JVM).
- **Implementation:** The language itself is written in Java.
- **License:** Helium is released under the GNU General Public License.
- **Copyright Status:** The software is copyrighted.
- **Website:** The official research page is hosted by Utrecht University at `uu.nl`.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of programming language is Helium?
A: Helium is a functional programming language that serves as a dialect of Haskell. It is classified as a programming language designed for communicating instructions to a machine.

### Q: What platform does Helium run on?
A: Helium runs on the Java virtual machine (JVM). This allows the Haskell dialect to operate within the Java ecosystem.

### Q: Who created Helium?
A: Helium was developed by Utrecht University, specifically within their Intelligent Software Systems research group.

## Why It Matters
Helium represents a specific academic effort to adapt the Haskell programming paradigm for the Java ecosystem. By creating a dialect of Haskell that runs on the Java virtual machine, the developers at Utrecht University bridged the gap between functional programming concepts and the widespread utility of the Java runtime environment.

Its significance lies in its architectural design; implementing a Haskell dialect using Java allows for cross-platform compatibility inherent to the JVM. This makes Helium a notable case study in language implementation and compiler design, demonstrating how established functional languages can be adapted to different runtime environments. As an open-source project under the GNU General Public License, it contributes to the body of knowledge regarding functional language tools and educations resources available to the software community.

## Notable For
- Being a distinct **dialect of Haskell**, diverging from the standard compiler implementations.
- Targeting the **Java virtual machine**, a widely used enterprise platform.
- Being **implemented in Java**, distinguishing it from Haskell compilers often written in C or Haskell itself.
- Its development by **Utrecht University**, a recognized research institution in software technology.
- Operating under the **GNU General Public License**, ensuring it remains free and open-source software.

## Body
### Development and Classification
Helium is recognized as a dialect of the computer language Haskell (specifically identified as a subclass of Q34010). While it shares the foundational characteristics of Haskell, it functions as a distinct instance of a programming language. The project is maintained by Utrecht University, specifically associated with their research division on Intelligent Software Systems. The language is copyrighted, and its development history is rooted in academic research aimed at software system intelligence.

### Technical Architecture
The technical infrastructure of Helium relies heavily on Java. The language is implemented in Java (also identified as Q251 in knowledge bases), meaning the compiler or interpreter is built using Java code. Furthermore, the resulting output or runtime environment is the Java virtual machine. This dual relationship with Java—both as the implementation language and the target platform—defines its technical boundaries.

### Licensing and Availability
Helium is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). This licensing ensures that the source code is available to the public, allowing for modification and redistribution under the same terms. Resources and official information regarding the project are accessible via Utrecht University's research website, which provides both Dutch and English language support.