# ZIL

> programming language used by Infocom

**Wikidata**: [Q63170827](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q63170827)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zil-q63170827

## Summary
ZIL is a programming language primarily known for being developed and used by the American company Infocom. Also known as Zork Implementation Language, it was published in 1979 and is based on MDL, a descendant of the Lisp programming language. ZIL served as a tool for Infocom to communicate instructions to machines for their work in the video game industry.

## Key Facts
*   ZIL is a programming language.
*   It was developed by Infocom.
*   Its full alias is Zork Implementation Language.
*   ZIL is based on MDL.
*   MDL is a programming language that is a descendant of Lisp.
*   ZIL was published in 1979.
*   Infocom is an American company in the video game industry, founded on June 22, 1979.

## FAQs
### Q: What does ZIL stand for?
A: ZIL stands for Zork Implementation Language. This alias indicates its primary use and association with Infocom's development efforts.

### Q: Who developed ZIL?
A: ZIL was developed by Infocom, an American company known for its work in the video game industry. Infocom was founded in 1979.

### Q: What programming language is ZIL based on?
A: ZIL is based on MDL (programming language), which itself is a descendant of the Lisp programming language. This lineage provides insight into its technical foundation.

### Q: When was ZIL first published?
A: ZIL was published in 1979. This places its development and use in the early history of the video game industry.

### Q: What was ZIL used for?
A: ZIL was a programming language used by Infocom. Its alias, Zork Implementation Language, suggests its role in implementing Infocom's projects.

## Why It Matters
ZIL holds significance as a proprietary programming language developed by Infocom, an American company that played a role in the video game industry. Its publication in 1979 places it among the early development tools used in this nascent field. As the "Zork Implementation Language," ZIL was a foundational component of Infocom's technical infrastructure, enabling the company to create and implement its products. Its design, being based on MDL—a descendant of the Lisp programming language—suggests a specific and potentially advanced approach to software development for its time. ZIL was not merely a generic programming language; it was a specialized instrument tailored to Infocom's needs, facilitating their core business operations and contributing to their output within the video game sector. Its existence highlights how companies developed custom tools to achieve their creative and technical goals.

## Notable For
*   Developed by Infocom, an American company active in the video game industry.
*   Known by its alias, Zork Implementation Language, indicating its specific application within Infocom's projects.
*   Based on MDL, a programming language that is a descendant of Lisp, showcasing its technical lineage.
*   Published in 1979, positioning it as an early programming language used in the video game development landscape.

## Body

### Definition and Purpose
ZIL is a programming language. Its primary purpose was to serve as a tool for communicating instructions to a machine. The alias for ZIL is Zork Implementation Language, which suggests its specific application in implementing projects for Infocom.

### Development and Origins
ZIL was developed by Infocom, an American company. Infocom was founded on June 22, 1979, and operates within the video game industry. ZIL itself was published in 1979. The language is based on MDL, which is another programming language. MDL is noted as a descendant of the Lisp programming language, indicating ZIL's technical heritage.

### Associated Entities
*   **Developer:** Infocom
    *   Country: United States
    *   Headquarters: Cambridge
    *   Industry: Video game industry
    *   Inception: June 22, 1979
*   **Based On:** MDL
    *   MDL is a programming language.
    *   MDL is a descendant of the Lisp programming language.
    *   MDL's inception was in 1971.

### Identifiers and Classifications
*   **Instance of:** Programming language
*   **Short Name:** ZIL
*   **PCGamingWiki ID:** Engine:ZIL (with qualifiers for English language, ZIL, and ID 52131)
*   **File Format Wiki Page ID:** ZIL

## References

1. [Source](http://www.ifwiki.org/index.php/ZIL)