# Whitespace

> esoteric programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q378222](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q378222)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitespace_(programming_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/whitespace

## Summary
Whitespace is an esoteric programming language created in the United Kingdom on April 1, 2003. It is classified as a software language not aimed for serious use, belonging to the broader category of programming languages designed to communicate instructions to a machine. The language is notably influenced by Brainfuck and is named after whitespace characters.

## Key Facts
- **Official Classification:** Instance of an esoteric programming language and a programming language.
- **Inception Date:** April 1, 2003 (2003-04-01).
- **Country of Origin:** United Kingdom.
- **Naming:** Named after "whitespace."
- **Influences:** Influenced by the esoteric language Brainfuck.
- **Website:** hosted at `http://compsoc.dur.ac.uk/whitespace/`.
- **Documentation:** Described by the source "Esolang" (Esolangs.org wiki).
- **Wikipedia Presence:** Available in 10 language editions (ar, ca, commons, cs, de, en, es, eu, fr, hu).

## FAQs
### Q: What type of programming language is Whitespace?
A: Whitespace is an esoteric programming language. This means it is a software language designed primarily for experimentation, humor, or challenge rather than for practical or serious commercial use.

### Q: When was Whitespace created?
A: Whitespace was created on April 1, 2003. Its inception date is often associated with its nature as a unique or novelty language.

### Q: What language influenced the design of Whitespace?
A: According to available knowledge bases, Whitespace was influenced by Brainfuck, another well-known esoteric programming language.

## Why It Matters
Whitespace holds a distinct place in the history of computer science as a notable example of "esoteric programming." While standard programming languages are optimized for efficiency, readability, and utility in production environments, Whitespace serves a different purpose. It challenges conventional ideas about syntax and code interpretation, specifically focusing on the role of non-printable characters.

As an esoteric language (or "esolang"), it is part of a tradition of programming designed to push the boundaries of language design or to serve as a "programmer's joke"—evidenced by its April 1st inception date. Its connection to Brainfuck places it within a specific lineage of minimalist or obtuse languages that test the limits of what constitutes code. Although not used for enterprise software, it is a significant cultural artifact in the programming community, maintained in wikis and academic records as a demonstration of creative coding logic.

## Notable For
- **Unique Classification:** Distinctly categorized as an esoteric language not intended for serious use.
- **Influence:** Recognized as being influenced by Brainfuck, a famous predecessor in the esolang field.
- **Origin:** A creation of the United Kingdom, specifically associated with the Durham University Computer Society (implied by the URL `compsoc.dur.ac.uk`).
- **Digital Footprint:** Has a dedicated following sufficient to generate Wikipedia entries in over 10 languages and a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons.

## Body

### Origin and Classification
Whitespace is a programming language that originated in the **United Kingdom**. It was officially inceptioned on **April 1, 2003**. It falls under the classification of a **programming language** broadly but is specifically defined as an **esoteric programming language**. This classification indicates that the language is designed to test the boundaries of computer programming syntax rather than to build standard software applications.

### Design and Influences
The language is **named after whitespace** characters (such as spaces, tabs, and linefeeds). Its design philosophy and execution were influenced by **Brainfuck**, another esoteric language known for its extreme minimalism and difficulty.

### Availability and Resources
The language is maintained and accessible via its official website at `http://compsoc.dur.ac.uk/whitespace/`. It has a global presence with articles on Wikipedia in multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish, and others. It is indexed under the **Freebase ID** `/m/01d2vj` and has been assigned the **Microsoft Academic ID** 2780733508 (though this service is discontinued). Further technical details and community documentation are available through the **Esolang** wiki.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora