# S

> statistical programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q1283865](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1283865)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_(programming_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/s

## Summary
S is a statistical programming language developed by John Chambers and Richard Becker. Created in 1976, it is an array programming language utilized for data analysis and statistical computing. It supports object-oriented programming and features dynamic, strong typing.

## Key Facts
- **Type:** Statistical programming language and array programming language.
- **Created:** 1976.
- **Developers:** John Chambers (primary) and Richard Becker.
- **Versions:**
    - S1 (1976)
    - S2 (1980)
    - S3 (1988)
    - S4 (1998)
- **Typing Discipline:** Dynamic typing and strong typing.
- **Programming Paradigms:** Array programming, imperative programming, and object-oriented programming.
- **File Format:** Uses "S source code file" for both reading and writing.
- **Identifiers:** GND ID `4234472-4`; Library of Congress Authority ID `sh88001212`.
- **Website:** `http://ect.bell-labs.com/sl/S/`

## FAQs
### Q: Who created the S programming language?
A: S was created by John Chambers, an American computer scientist and entrepreneur, along with Richard Becker. Chambers is credited as the primary developer.

### Q: What are the key versions of the S programming language?
A: The language evolved through four main versions: S1 (released in 1976), S2 (1980), S3 (1988), and S4 (1998).

### Q: What typing discipline does S use?
A: S utilizes both dynamic typing and strong typing.

## Why It Matters
S is a foundational language in the field of statistical computing, representing a significant shift towards interactive, high-level programming for data analysis. Developed at Bell Labs, its design prioritized the needs of statisticians, allowing them to manipulate data arrays efficiently without managing low-level machine details.

The language's evolution through four major versions—culminating in S4 in 1998—demonstrated a robust framework for object-oriented programming and data visualization. Its influence extends through its association with the widely cited resource "Modern Applied Statistics with S." By establishing a standard for how statistical software interacts with data arrays, S played a critical role in the development of modern data science tools. Its structure and philosophy paved the way for subsequent languages and statistical environments, solidifying its legacy as a cornerstone in the history of computational statistics.

## Notable For
- **Statistical Focus:** Specifically designed as a statistical programming language rather than a general-purpose utility.
- **Array Programming:** Classified as an array programming language, enabling concise manipulation of whole data arrays.
- **Longevity:** A clear development timeline spanning from 1976 to 1998 across four distinct versions.
- **Paradigm Integration:** Incorporates imperative, object-oriented, and array programming styles.
- **Academic Reference:** Explicitly described and documented in the source "Modern Applied Statistics with S."

## Body
### Development and History
The S programming language was developed by John Chambers and Richard Becker. John Chambers, born in 1949, is described as an American computer scientist and entrepreneur. The language's "inception" is dated to 1976.

According to historical records archived via the Bell Labs website, the language underwent four major iterations:
- **S1:** Released in **1976**.
- **S2:** Released in **1980**.
- **S3:** Released in **1988**.
- **S4:** Released in **1998**.

The official website for the language is hosted by Bell Labs at `http://ect.bell-labs.com/sl/S/`.

### Technical Specifications
S is classified as both a **programming language** and an **array programming language**. It facilitates instructions to a machine through multiple paradigms, specifically **imperative programming**, **object-oriented programming**, and **array programming**.

The typing discipline of S is characterized as **dynamic typing** and **strong typing**. The native file format for the language is the "S source code file," which serves as both a readable and writable format.

### Identifiers and Classification
The entity is distinct within knowledge bases, identified by the GND ID `4234472-4` and the Library of Congress Authority ID `sh88001212`. It is also cataloged under the Freebase ID `/m/03pxm2` and the National Library of Israel ID `987007532190305171`. Aliases for the language include "لغة البرمجة آس" and "لغة البرمجة أس". The language is further described by the academic source "Modern Applied Statistics with S."

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. [Source](http://ect.bell-labs.com/sl/S/history.html)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. National Library of Israel