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+11-3
-Being a **[concatenative language](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)** means that Joy's operations can be concatenated or composed together. Each operation consumes its arguments from the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)** and pushes its results back onto it, allowing for the seamless chaining of **[functions](/wiki/Function)**. This characteristic enables programmers to create complex operations from simpler ones without the need for explicit argument naming, leading to a programming style that emphasizes **[point-free](/wiki/Point-Free)** or **[tacit programming](/wiki/Tacit_Programming)**.
-**[Point-free](/wiki/Point-Free)** style is a defining feature of Joy that allows functions to be composed without explicitly specifying their arguments. For example, instead of defining a function like `f(x) = x * x`, in Joy, to square a number, one would simply write:
-In summary, **Joy** is a unique **[concatenative language](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)** that embraces a distinct approach to programming through its **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**-based execution model and adherence to **[pure functional](/wiki/Pure_Functional)** principles. Its **[point-free](/wiki/Point-Free)** style allows for elegant and concise program construction, attracting interest from programmers seeking alternative paradigms to traditional **[imperative](/wiki/Imperative)** and **[functional programming](/wiki/Functional_Programming)** languages. Joy’s influences and design philosophy contribute to its standing as an intriguing option for those exploring the boundaries of **[language design](/wiki/Language_Design)** and **[declarative programming](/wiki/Declarative_Programming)**.
+Being a **[concatenative language](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)** means that Joy's operations can be concatenated or composed together. Each operation consumes its arguments from the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)** and pushes its results back onto it, allowing for the seamless chaining of **[functions](/wiki/Function)**. This characteristic enables programmers to create complex operations from simpler ones without the need for explicit argument naming, leading to a programming style that emphasizes **[point-free](/wiki/Point_Free)** or **[tacit programming](/wiki/Tacit_Programming)**.
+**[Point-free](/wiki/Point_Free)** style is a defining feature of Joy that allows functions to be composed without explicitly specifying their arguments. For example, instead of defining a function like `f(x) = x * x`, in Joy, to square a number, one would simply write:
+### Data Types
+Joy, being a minimalist language, supports a fundamental set of **[data types](/wiki/Data_Type)**. Unlike many languages that distinguish heavily between various numeric types or complex data structures, Joy often treats everything as a form of **[atom](/wiki/Atom)** or **[list](/wiki/List)** on the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**.
+- **[Numbers](/wiki/Number)**: Joy supports **[integers](/wiki/Integer)** and **[floating-point](/wiki/Float)** numbers. These are the most basic data items pushed directly onto the stack for arithmetic operations.
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+### History and Development
+Joy was conceived and developed by **[Manfred von Thun](/wiki/Manfred_von_Thun)**, an Australian computer scientist, in the early 2000s. Its genesis was rooted in academic research, specifically exploring a unique combination of **[functional programming](/wiki/Functional_Programming)** principles within a **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**-based execution model. Unlike many languages driven by commercial or practical application goals, Joy's primary purpose was to investigate theoretical implications and demonstrate an alternative approach to **[language design](/wiki/Language_Design)**, emphasizing purity, simplicity, and composability. Its development has largely remained within academic and enthusiast circles, fostering a deeper understanding of **[concatenative languages](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)**.
+### Future and Community
+Joy remains a niche language, primarily appealing to **[academics](/wiki/Academic)**, **[language designers](/wiki/Language_Design)**, and **[programming](/wiki/Programming)** enthusiasts who appreciate its minimalist design and powerful **[meta-programming](/wiki/Meta-Programming)** capabilities. While it has not achieved widespread commercial adoption, its influence can be seen in other concatenative languages like Factor and Cat. The community around Joy, though small, is active and dedicated, engaging in discussions, sharing implementations, and exploring its potential in various domains. Its continued existence highlights the enduring interest in alternative **[programming paradigms](/wiki/Programming_Paradigm)** and the exploration of new ways to express computation efficiently and elegantly.
+16
+### Examples
+To illustrate Joy's unique programming style, consider a few practical examples:
+#### Basic Stack Manipulation
+Performing a simple calculation like `(3 + 4) * 5` involves pushing numbers onto the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)** and applying operations:
+3 4 + 5 *
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-A core concept in Joy is the **[quotation](/wiki/Quotation)**. In Joy, a quotation is a list of operations (or "words") enclosed in square brackets, `[...]`. When the Joy interpreter encounters a sequence of words enclosed in brackets, it does not execute them immediately. Instead, it treats the entire sequence as a single data item and pushes it onto the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**. For example, `[dup *]` is a quotation that represents the squaring operation but is treated as data until explicitly invoked. Quotations are fundamental for defining new **[combinators](/wiki/Combinator)** and for implementing **[higher-order functions](/wiki/Higher_Order_Function)**, allowing Joy to manipulate programs as data. This capability provides powerful **[meta-programming](/wiki/Meta-Programming)** capabilities and embodies the **[code as data](/wiki/Code_as_Data)** principle.
+A core concept in Joy is the **[quotation](/wiki/Quotation)**. In Joy, a quotation is a list of operations (or "words") enclosed in square brackets, `[...]`. When the Joy interpreter encounters a sequence of words enclosed in brackets, it does not execute them immediately. Instead, it treats the entire sequence as a single data item and pushes it onto the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**. For example, `[dup *]` is a quotation that represents the squaring operation but is treated as data until explicitly invoked.
+**[Combinators](/wiki/Combinator)** are a special type of **[higher-order function](/wiki/Higher_Order_Function)** in Joy that take one or more quotations (functions) as arguments from the stack and apply them in various ways. They are fundamental for controlling program flow, implementing recursion, and building complex operations from simpler ones. For instance, the `map` combinator takes a list and a quotation (a function) and applies that function to each element in the list. This ability to manipulate programs as data, through quotations and combinators, provides powerful **[meta-programming](/wiki/Meta-Programming)** capabilities and embodies the **[code as data](/wiki/Code_as_Data)** principle, making Joy highly extensible and expressive.
+1-1
-A core concept in Joy is the **[quotation](/wiki/Quotation)**, which is a list of operations that is treated as a data item on the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)** rather than being executed immediately. Quotations are fundamental for defining **[combinators](/wiki/Combinator)** and for implementing higher-order functions. This allows Joy to manipulate programs as data, providing powerful meta-programming capabilities and a direct approach to code as data.
+A core concept in Joy is the **[quotation](/wiki/Quotation)**. In Joy, a quotation is a list of operations (or "words") enclosed in square brackets, `[...]`. When the Joy interpreter encounters a sequence of words enclosed in brackets, it does not execute them immediately. Instead, it treats the entire sequence as a single data item and pushes it onto the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**. For example, `[dup *]` is a quotation that represents the squaring operation but is treated as data until explicitly invoked. Quotations are fundamental for defining new **[combinators](/wiki/Combinator)** and for implementing **[higher-order functions](/wiki/Higher_Order_Function)**, allowing Joy to manipulate programs as data. This capability provides powerful **[meta-programming](/wiki/Meta-Programming)** capabilities and embodies the **[code as data](/wiki/Code_as_Data)** principle.
+13-12
-Joy is a **[concatenative language](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)** created by **[Manfred von Thun](/wiki/Manfred_von_Thun)** in the early 2000s. This article aims to provide an overview of Joy's characteristics, execution model, programming style, and influences, showcasing its significance in the field of **[programming languages](/wiki/Programming_Language)**.
-Joy is fundamentally a **[functional programming](/wiki/Functional_Programming)** language that utilizes a unique **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**-based execution model. In Joy, programs are composed of sequences of operations that manipulate data residing on a central stack. This design choice significantly differentiates Joy from many traditional **[imperative languages](/wiki/Imperative_Language)**, as well as from other functional languages.
-Being a **[concatenative language](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)** means that Joy's operations can be concatenated or composed together. This characteristic enables the seamless chaining of **[functions](/wiki/Function)**, allowing programmers to create complex operations from simpler ones without the need for explicit argument naming. The result is a programming style that emphasizes **[point-free](/wiki/Point-Free)** or **[tacit programming](/wiki/Tacit_Programming)**.
-This sequence first duplicates the number on top of the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)** and then multiplies the two top numbers, producing the square, all without explicitly naming an argument. This stylistic approach not only leads to concise code but also enhances readability and maintainability.
-Joy adheres to the principles of **[pure functional](/wiki/Pure_Functional)** programming, meaning that all functions in Joy are **[referentially transparent](/wiki/Referential_Transparency)** and do not produce **[side effects](/wiki/Side_Effects)**. Functions in Joy operate solely based on their input and output, promoting a mathematical elegance in expressing computations. This purity is a key aspect that sets Joy apart from many mainstream **[programming languages](/wiki/Programming_Language)**, which often incorporate mutable state and side effects.
+Joy is a **[concatenative language](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)** created by **[Manfred von Thun](/wiki/Manfred_von_Thun)** in the early 2000s, primarily as a research project to explore the implications of **[functional programming](/wiki/Functional_Programming)** in a stack-based context. This article aims to provide an overview of Joy's characteristics, execution model, programming style, and influences, showcasing its significance in the field of **[programming languages](/wiki/Programming_Language)**.
+Joy is fundamentally a **[functional programming](/wiki/Functional_Programming)** language that utilizes a unique **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**-based execution model. In Joy, programs are composed of sequences of operations (often called "words") that manipulate data residing on a central stack. This design choice significantly differentiates Joy from many traditional **[imperative languages](/wiki/Imperative_Language)**, as well as from other functional languages, by emphasizing conceptual simplicity and the direct manipulation of data flow.
+Being a **[concatenative language](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)** means that Joy's operations can be concatenated or composed together. Each operation consumes its arguments from the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)** and pushes its results back onto it, allowing for the seamless chaining of **[functions](/wiki/Function)**. This characteristic enables programmers to create complex operations from simpler ones without the need for explicit argument naming, leading to a programming style that emphasizes **[point-free](/wiki/Point-Free)** or **[tacit programming](/wiki/Tacit_Programming)**.
+This sequence first duplicates the number on top of the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)** and then multiplies the two top numbers, producing the square, all without explicitly naming an argument. This stylistic approach not only leads to concise code but also enhances readability and maintainability by focusing on the transformation of data rather than named variables.
+Joy adheres to the principles of **[pure functional](/wiki/Pure_Functional)** programming, meaning that all functions in Joy are **[referentially transparent](/wiki/Referential_Transparency)** and do not produce **[side effects](/wiki/Side_Effects)**. Functions in Joy operate solely based on their input and output (via the stack), promoting a mathematical elegance in expressing computations. This purity is a key aspect that sets Joy apart from many mainstream **[programming languages](/wiki/Programming_Language)**, offering benefits such as easier testing, higher predictability, and enhanced potential for **[parallelism](/wiki/Parallelism)**.
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-**[Point-free](/wiki/Point-Free)** style is a defining feature of Joy that allows functions to be composed without explicitly specifying their arguments. For example, instead of defining a function in terms of its input and output, programmers focus on how functions transform the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**. This stylistic approach not only leads to concise code but also enhances readability and maintainability.
-- [Declarative Programming](/wiki/Declarative_Programming)
+**[Point-free](/wiki/Point-Free)** style is a defining feature of Joy that allows functions to be composed without explicitly specifying their arguments. For example, instead of defining a function like `f(x) = x * x`, in Joy, to square a number, one would simply write:
+```joy
+dup *
+```
+This sequence first duplicates the number on top of the **[stack](/wiki/Stack)** and then multiplies the two top numbers, producing the square, all without explicitly naming an argument. This stylistic approach not only leads to concise code but also enhances readability and maintainability.
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-## Joy Programming Language
-Joy is a **concatenative programming language** created by **Manfred von Thun** in the early 2000s. This article aims to provide an overview of Joy's characteristics, execution model, programming style, and influences, showcasing its significance in the field of programming languages.
----
-### Overview
-Joy is fundamentally a **functional programming language** that utilizes a unique stack-based execution model. In Joy, programs are composed of sequences of operations that manipulate data residing on a **central stack**. This design choice significantly differentiates Joy from many traditional imperative languages, as well as from other functional languages.
+## Joy Programming Language
+Joy is a **[concatenative language](/wiki/Concatenative_Language)** created by **[Manfred von Thun](/wiki/Manfred_von_Thun)** in the early 2000s. This article aims to provide an overview of Joy's characteristics, execution model, programming style, and influences, showcasing its significance in the field of **[programming languages](/wiki/Programming_Language)**.
+### Overview
+Joy is fundamentally a **[functional programming](/wiki/Functional_Programming)** language that utilizes a unique **[stack](/wiki/Stack)**-based execution model. In Joy, programs are composed of sequences of operations that manipulate data residing on a central stack. This design choice significantly differentiates Joy from many traditional **[imperative languages](/wiki/Imperative_Language)**, as well as from other functional languages.
+### Concatenative Nature
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-Joy is a [concatenative](/wiki/concatenative_programming) programming language created by Manfred von Thun. Developed in the early 2000s, Joy is fundamentally a [functional](/wiki/functional_programming) language characterized by its unique [stack](/wiki/stack)-based execution model. Programs in Joy are sequences of operations that manipulate data on a central stack. This design inherently leads to a [point-free](/wiki/point-free) style, also known as [tacit programming](/wiki/tacit_programming), where functions are composed without explicitly naming arguments.
-This approach emphasizes [composition](/wiki/composition) and a minimalist construction of programs, making it distinct from many traditional imperative or even other functional languages. Joy's purity means that functions transform the stack without side effects, promoting a highly mathematical and elegant way of expressing computations. It draws inspiration from languages like [Forth](/wiki/Forth) and [PostScript](/wiki/PostScript), while rigorously applying functional principles.
-## See also
-- [Forth](/wiki/Forth)
-- [Stack](/wiki/stack)
+## Joy Programming Language
+Joy is a **concatenative programming language** created by **Manfred von Thun** in the early 2000s. This article aims to provide an overview of Joy's characteristics, execution model, programming style, and influences, showcasing its significance in the field of programming languages.
+---
+### Overview
+Joy is fundamentally a **functional programming language** that utilizes a unique stack-based execution model. In Joy, programs are composed of sequences of operations that manipulate data residing on a **central stack**. This design choice significantly differentiates Joy from many traditional imperative languages, as well as from other functional languages.
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-Joy is a [concatenative](/wiki/concatenative_programming) programming language created by Manfred von Thun. It is a [functional](/wiki/functional_programming) language, where programs are sequences of operations that manipulate a stack, often leading to a distinct point-free style. This design emphasizes composition and a minimalist approach to program construction.
-- [Stack-based Language](/wiki/stack-based_language)
+Joy is a [concatenative](/wiki/concatenative_programming) programming language created by Manfred von Thun. Developed in the early 2000s, Joy is fundamentally a [functional](/wiki/functional_programming) language characterized by its unique [stack](/wiki/stack)-based execution model. Programs in Joy are sequences of operations that manipulate data on a central stack. This design inherently leads to a [point-free](/wiki/point-free) style, also known as [tacit programming](/wiki/tacit_programming), where functions are composed without explicitly naming arguments.
+This approach emphasizes [composition](/wiki/composition) and a minimalist construction of programs, making it distinct from many traditional imperative or even other functional languages. Joy's purity means that functions transform the stack without side effects, promoting a highly mathematical and elegant way of expressing computations. It draws inspiration from languages like [Forth](/wiki/Forth) and [PostScript](/wiki/PostScript), while rigorously applying functional principles.
+- [Stack](/wiki/stack)
+6
Auto-generated stub article
+Joy is a [concatenative](/wiki/concatenative_programming) programming language created by Manfred von Thun. It is a [functional](/wiki/functional_programming) language, where programs are sequences of operations that manipulate a stack, often leading to a distinct point-free style. This design emphasizes composition and a minimalist approach to program construction.
+## See also
+- [Forth](/wiki/Forth)
+- [Stack-based Language](/wiki/stack-based_language)
+- [Functional Programming](/wiki/functional_programming)
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