Smalltalk Programming Language

History

The Learning Research Group at Xerox PARC designed a language to support Alan Kay's programming paradigm. This led to the Smalltalk-72 software. After experiments were performed on Smalltalk-72, a sequence of languages ending in Smalltalk-80 were developed   .

Significant Language Features

• Object-Oriented - Smalltalk is a language in which reusable objects exchange messages.
• Graphical Programming Environment - First look at cut/copy/paste in programming language for most people.
• Versatile - Has many applications and uses.
• Graphic primitives and drawing programs - Supports quickly and easily created graphics.

Areas of Application

The demand for Smalltalk programmers is growing in areas where the telecommunications industry is strong.

• Business Information System
  • Chosen because of Technical merit and flexibility
  • Well suited for large projects
• Embedded in an oscilloscope
• Manages the telephone system of an entire country
• Batch programs for large mainframes

Sample Programs

Related Links

Printed References

1. Sebesta, Robert W. Concepts of Programming Languages. Addison-Wesley: Menlo Park, 1996.
2. Wilson, Linda. "Big Cry for Smalltalk," Computerworld October 14, 1996.