# Motoko

> Programming language for the Internet Computer of Dfinity

**Wikidata**: [Q77184757](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q77184757)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/motoko

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for Motoko:

---

## Summary  
Motoko is a programming language designed specifically for the Internet Computer blockchain developed by Dfinity. It is a functional, object-based, and actor-based language that compiles to WebAssembly, enabling developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) with asynchronous execution and strong type safety.

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## Key Facts  
- **Developer**: Dfinity, with Andreas Rossberg as team leader.  
- **First released**: November 2, 2019.  
- **Platform**: Compiles to WebAssembly for execution on the Internet Computer.  
- **Language Paradigms**: Functional, object-based, actor-based, and supports generic programming.  
- **Official Website**: [Language Guide](https://sdk.dfinity.org/language-guide/index.html) and [Motoko Playground](https://m7sm4-2iaaa-aaaab-qabra-cai.raw.ic0.app/).  
- **Key Characteristics**: Type system, generic programming, and asynchronous I/O.  
- **Package Availability**: Listed on npm (`motoko`) and Repology.  
- **Community Resources**: Stack Overflow tag (`motoko`) and GitHub topics.  

---

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Motoko used for?  
A: Motoko is used to develop decentralized applications (dApps) on the Internet Computer blockchain, leveraging its actor-based model for concurrent execution.  

### Q: Is Motoko a functional programming language?  
A: Yes, Motoko incorporates functional programming principles alongside object-based and actor-based paradigms.  

### Q: Who created Motoko?  
A: Motoko was developed by Dfinity, with Andreas Rossberg leading the language design team.  

---

## Why It Matters  
Motoko is significant because it provides a tailored programming environment for the Internet Computer, a blockchain platform aiming to host scalable, decentralized applications. Unlike general-purpose languages, Motoko’s actor-based model simplifies concurrent execution, while its WebAssembly compilation ensures compatibility with the Internet Computer’s runtime. Its strong type system and support for generic programming reduce bugs and improve developer productivity. By addressing the unique challenges of decentralized computing, Motoko plays a crucial role in expanding blockchain development beyond smart contracts to full-stack dApps.  

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## Notable For  
- **Specialization**: Designed exclusively for the Internet Computer blockchain.  
- **Multi-Paradigm**: Combines functional, object-based, and actor-based programming.  
- **WebAssembly Target**: Compiles to WebAssembly for efficient execution.  
- **Asynchronous Model**: Built-in support for asynchronous I/O, critical for decentralized systems.  

---

## Body  
### Development and Release  
- Motoko was announced on November 2, 2019, via a Dfinity community post.  
- Andreas Rossberg, a programming language researcher, led its development.  

### Technical Features  
- **Paradigms**: Functional, object-based, actor-based, and generic programming.  
- **Type System**: Strong static typing with generics support.  
- **Concurrency**: Actor model enables isolated, asynchronous execution.  

### Ecosystem  
- **Tools**: Official language guide and Motoko Playground for experimentation.  
- **Packages**: Available via npm (`motoko`) and Repology.  
- **Community**: Supported by Stack Overflow and GitHub discussions.  

### Platform Compatibility  
- Targets WebAssembly for deployment on the Internet Computer.  

---

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Motoko",
  "description": "Programming language for the Internet Computer of Dfinity.",
  "url": "https://sdk.dfinity.org/language-guide/index.html",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q81204096"],
  "additionalType": ["ProgrammingLanguage", "FunctionalProgrammingLanguage", "ActorBasedProgrammingLanguage"]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/dfinity/comments/dqd21w/introducing_motoko_dfinity_canister_sdk/)
2. [Source](https://sdk.dfinity.org/language-guide/index.html#_chapter_introduction)