# Shakespeare

> esoteric programming language designed by Jon Åslund and Karl Hasselström

**Wikidata**: [Q1140574](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1140574)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_Programming_Language)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shakespeare

## Summary
Shakespeare is an esoteric programming language designed by Jon Åslund and Karl Hasselström, featuring a unique syntax inspired by Shakespearean plays. It belongs to the class of programming languages created more as intellectual exercises than for practical use.

## Key Facts
- Shakespeare is an esoteric programming language created by Jon Åslund and Karl Hasselström
- The language is named after William Shakespeare, the famous playwright
- Also known as SPL (Shakespeare Programming Language)
- Official website: http://shakespearelang.sourceforge.net/
- Has 13 sitelinks across various platforms
- Available through MacPorts with the port name "shakespeare"
- Wikipedia entries exist in 10 languages including English, German, French, and Japanese
- Described by Esolang with the entry at https://esolangs.org/wiki/Shakespeare

## FAQs
### Q: What is Shakespeare in the context of programming?
A: Shakespeare is an esoteric programming language designed by Jon Åslund and Karl Hasselström. It uses a syntax that mimics Shakespearean plays, with character dialogues and stage directions forming the basis of its code structure.

### Q: How is Shakespeare different from regular programming languages?
A: Unlike practical programming languages, Shakespeare is an esoteric language not designed for serious use. Its primary purpose is as an intellectual exercise that incorporates literary elements into programming syntax.

### Q: Where can I find more information about Shakespeare the programming language?
A: The official website is http://shakespearelang.sourceforge.net/, and it has Wikipedia entries in multiple languages including English, German, French, Japanese, and others. Detailed technical information is also available at https://esolangs.org/wiki/Shakespeare.

## Why It Matters
Shakespeare represents a fascinating intersection of programming and literature, demonstrating how programming language design can be both technically innovative and culturally meaningful. As an esoteric language, it exists primarily as an academic exercise that challenges programmers to think creatively about syntax while honoring literary heritage. Though not practical for production software, it serves as an important case study in programming language theory and shows how programming can transcend traditional boundaries to incorporate elements from other disciplines. The language's continued presence in specialized programming communities highlights the enduring appeal of creative, non-traditional approaches to coding.

## Notable For
- Unique syntax modeled after Shakespearean play structure, using character dialogues and stage directions as code elements
- Named after one of history's most influential playwrights, William Shakespeare
- One of the few programming languages to integrate literary elements into its fundamental design
- Has been translated into multiple Wikipedia languages, demonstrating international interest
- Features a dedicated MacPorts port, indicating adoption in specialized development environments

## Body
### Design and Purpose
Shakespeare is an esoteric programming language created by Jon Åslund and Karl Hasselström. It falls into the category of esoteric programming languages, which prioritize creativity and intellectual challenge over practical utility. The language's official name is the Shakespeare Programming Language (SPL).

### Naming and Origins
The language derives its name from William Shakespeare, reflecting its distinctive syntax that emulates the structure of a Shakespearean play. This creative approach to programming language design sets it apart from conventional programming languages.

### Technical Information
- Official website: http://shakespearelang.sourceforge.net/
- Has 13 sitelinks across various platforms
- Available through MacPorts with the port name "shakespeare"
- Wikipedia entries exist in 10 languages: Czech (cs), German (de), English (en), Basque (eu), French (fr), Hungarian (hu), Italian (it), Japanese (ja), Korean (ko), and Polish (pl)
- Described by Esolang at https://esolangs.org/wiki/Shakespeare

### Community Presence
The Shakespeare programming language maintains a presence in specialized programming communities, primarily as an intellectual exercise and programming challenge. Its continued existence demonstrates interest in esoteric programming as both an academic pursuit and creative expression.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013