Why do we study Python, Java, or C? Have you ever wanted to learn something a little more out there? In this course, we’ll be pushing the limits of what defines programming languages by exploring the wonderful world of Esoteric Programming languages (esolangs). Esolangs are programming languages not designed for productive use and are instead created for fun, as a joke, as works of art, to be computationally interesting, or for a variety of other reasons! From LOLCODE, Piet, to Whitespace you will learn some fun, some challenging, and some outright weird programming languages.

Class meets on Thursdays from 5-7pm in 405 Soda Hall. After the first class, each session will include a lecture on the week's topics and readings, followed by dedicated class time for completing labs and projects. The labs offer a fundamental grasp of an esolang and its syntax, intended for both in-class and out-of-class completion. The projects aim to enhance your understanding of a computer science topic, using the unit's esolang, and should be worked on both in and out of class. The final project is a comprehensive assignment where you will either design an application in one of the covered esolangs or design and implement your very own esolang.

Esolangs covered in this course: LOLCODE, BF, Piet, Whitespace, Chef, and TIS-100

Grading:
Labs - 30%
Projects - 30%
Final Project - 10%
Attendance - 30%

Fill out the Google form to be considered for the decal. The form is limited to one response and please fill it out using your Berkeley email. Form URL: https://forms.gle/98hfe74uhYRKSLd26