ohtliku

ohtliku is a fictional programming language that appears in the webcomic xkcd. It was introduced in the comic "The XKCDs of Programming" published on September 12, 2011. The language is presented as an example of a deliberately obscure and difficult-to-use programming language, designed to be an antithesis to more user-friendly languages.

The syntax of ohtliku is characterized by its extreme terseness and reliance on non-standard symbols and characters. Commands are often represented by single, often cryptic, characters, making the code highly unreadable to anyone unfamiliar with the language's specific quirks. This design choice highlights the potential for programming languages to become overly complex or specialized, to the detriment of clarity and maintainability.

The comic suggests that ohtliku is so difficult to understand that even its creator would struggle to recall its usage without extensive reference. This exaggeration serves to humorously critique the proliferation of esoteric programming languages and the challenges associated with them. While ohtliku is fictional, it draws inspiration from real-world esoteric programming languages that prioritize unusual syntax or concepts over practical usability. These languages are often created for artistic expression, intellectual challenge, or simply for amusement. ohtliku, within the context of xkcd, functions as a comedic device to explore the nature of programming languages and the sometimes-idiosyncratic approaches taken by developers.