# Vala

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q1138939](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1138939)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vala_(programming_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vala

## Summary
Vala is an object-based programming language that compiles to C, designed to bring modern programming language features to GNOME developers. Created by Jürg Billeter in 2006, it allows developers to write applications using modern syntax while leveraging the GObject system and producing efficient C code.

## Key Facts
- Inception: 2006 by Jürg Billeter
- Latest stable version: 0.38.4 (released December 11, 2017)
- Latest unstable version: 0.39.5 (released January 19, 2018)
- License: GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1 or later
- Influenced by: C#, Java, C++, D, and Boo
- Operating system: Cross-platform
- File extensions: .vala and .vapi
- Typing discipline: Static typing, strong typing, inference typing, structural typing

## FAQs
### Q: What is Vala used for?
A: Vala is primarily used for developing GNOME applications and libraries, allowing developers to write modern object-oriented code that compiles to efficient C code using the GObject system.

### Q: How does Vala differ from other programming languages?
A: Vala compiles to C rather than running on a virtual machine, combining modern language features with the performance and low-level control of C while maintaining compatibility with existing C libraries.

### Q: Is Vala still actively developed?
A: Yes, Vala continues to be developed with regular releases, though development has slowed compared to its early years. The latest versions include both stable (0.38.x) and unstable (0.39.x) branches.

## Why It Matters
Vala matters because it bridges the gap between modern programming language features and the mature, high-performance GNOME ecosystem. By compiling to C, it allows developers to write GNOME applications using contemporary object-oriented syntax without sacrificing the performance benefits of C or the extensive library ecosystem built around GObject. This approach solved a significant pain point for GNOME developers who wanted modern language features but needed to maintain compatibility with existing C-based infrastructure. Vala's design philosophy of providing a high-level language that produces low-level C code has influenced other projects seeking similar solutions, demonstrating an alternative approach to language design that prioritizes interoperability and performance over runtime features.

## Notable For
- Compiles to C rather than running on a virtual machine, offering unique performance characteristics
- Seamless integration with existing C libraries and the GObject system
- Modern language features (like properties, signals, and closures) in a compiled language
- Cross-platform support while maintaining GNOME desktop integration
- Influences from multiple languages (C#, Java, C++, D, Boo) creating a unique feature set

## Body
### Development History
Vala was created by Jürg Billeter in 2006 as a solution for GNOME developers who wanted modern programming language features without abandoning the C-based ecosystem. The language was designed to compile to C code, allowing developers to write applications using contemporary syntax while maintaining compatibility with existing GNOME libraries and tools.

### Technical Architecture
Vala uses a compiler that translates Vala source code into C code, which is then compiled using a C compiler. This approach provides several advantages: the resulting binaries have no runtime dependencies beyond the C standard library, they can easily interface with existing C libraries, and they benefit from the optimization capabilities of modern C compilers. The language supports GObject-based object-oriented programming, including features like interfaces, abstract classes, and signals.

### Language Features
Vala incorporates modern programming language features including properties, events, generics, and closures while maintaining a syntax similar to C#. It supports both reference and value types, automatic memory management through reference counting, and type inference to reduce boilerplate code. The language also includes built-in support for asynchronous programming and provides a comprehensive standard library.

### Ecosystem and Adoption
Vala has been adopted by various GNOME projects and is available in major Linux distributions through their package managers. The language has ports to multiple package management systems including AUR, Fedora, Ubuntu, and Homebrew. Development occurs primarily through GNOME's infrastructure, with source code hosted on both GitLab and GitHub mirrors.

### Current Status
While development has slowed compared to the language's early years, Vala continues to receive updates and maintain compatibility with modern GNOME development practices. The community remains active, with ongoing work on both the compiler and related tools. The language's unique position as a modern language that compiles to C continues to make it relevant for specific use cases within the GNOME ecosystem.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Vala",
  "description": "Object-based programming language that compiles to C, designed for GNOME development",
  "url": "https://vala.dev",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vala_(programming_language)",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207933"
  ],
  "additionalType": "ProgrammingLanguage"
}

## References

1. [The vala Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/vala/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
2. [Vala Releases](http://live.gnome.org/Vala/Release)
3. [Vala Releases](http://wiki.gnome.org/Projects/Vala/Release)
4. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.34.1)
5. [vala - Compiler for the GObject type system](https://git.gnome.org/browse/vala/tree/NEWS)
6. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.39.2)
7. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.39.4)
8. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.38.4)
9. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.36.8)
10. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.34.13)
11. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.39.5)
12. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.39.3)
13. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.34.14)
14. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.36.9)
15. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.38.5)
16. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.38.6)
17. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.36.10)
18. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.34.15)
19. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.39.6)
20. [vala - Compiler for the GObject type system](https://git.gnome.org/browse/vala/commit/?h=0.38)
21. [vala - Compiler for the GObject type system](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.39.7)
22. [vala - Compiler for the GObject type system](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.38.8)
23. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.34.17)
24. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.36.12)
25. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.39.91)
26. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.40.0)
27. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.40.2)
28. [vala - Compiler for the GObject type system](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.40.3)
29. [0.41.91 · Tags · GNOME / vala](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.41.91)
30. [0.40.8 · Tags · GNOME / vala](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.40.8)
31. [0.42.0 · Tags · GNOME / vala](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/tags/0.42.0)
32. ["Vala - Compiler Using the GObject Type System"](https://wiki.gnome.org/Projects/Vala)
33. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/-/tags/0.45.3)
34. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/-/tags/0.36.20)
35. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/-/tags/0.44.8)
36. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/-/tags/0.46.1)
37. [Source](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/vala/-/tags/0.50.4)
38. [vala 0.52.5](https://mail.gnome.org/archives/ftp-release-list/2021-August/msg00047.html)
39. [vala 0.54.0](https://mail.gnome.org/archives/ftp-release-list/2021-September/msg00071.html)
40. [vala 0.54.1](https://mail.gnome.org/archives/ftp-release-list/2021-September/msg00131.html)
41. [vala 0.56.2](https://mail.gnome.org/archives/ftp-release-list/2022-July/msg00101.html)
42. [Release 0.46.0. 2019](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.0)
43. [Release 0.46.2. 2019](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.2)
44. [Release 0.46.3. 2019](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.3)
45. [Release 0.46.4. 2019](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.4)
46. [Release 0.46.5. 2019](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.5)
47. [Release 0.46.6. 2020](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.6)
48. [Release 0.46.7. 2020](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.7)
49. [Release 0.46.8. 2020](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.8)
50. [Release 0.46.9. 2020](https://github.com/GNOME/vala/releases/tag/0.46.9)