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INTERCAL

INTERCAL, short for Compiler Language With No Pronounceable Acronym, is an esoteric programming language created in 1972 by Don Woods and James Lyon as a satirical critique of contemporary programming languages. Its design consciously opposes mainstream language aesthetics, favoring obtuse syntax, verbose instructions, and deliberately awkward semantics. Since its inception, INTERCAL has become a landmark in the field of esoteric programming languages, illustrating how language design can be playful and critical at once.

User programs in INTERCAL resemble English phrases more than conventional code, and the language is known for

INTERCAL has inspired numerous dialects and implementations over the years, including hobbyist interpreters and compilers for

features
intended
to
irritate
and
amuse:
a
COME
FROM
statement,
which
ironically
functions
as
a
backwards
jump,
and
the
use
of
DO
and
PLEASE
prefixes
that
distinguish
obligatory
versus
polite
execution.
The
language
uses
unusual
operands
and
data
handling,
with
obscure
operator
names
and
values
chosen
to
hinder
straightforward
programming.
Error
messages
and
debugging
are
part
of
the
experience,
reinforcing
the
parody
of
high‑level
language
design.
various
platforms.
It
remains
a
common
reference
point
in
discussions
of
esoterica
and
programming
language
history,
illustrating
alternative
approaches
to
syntax,
control
flow,
and
human–computer
interaction.
Hello
World
programs
and
other
examples
are
often
cited
to
demonstrate
the
language’s
quirky
character,
while
its
legacy
continues
to
influence
later
experimental
languages.