In this portion of our computer programming language guide, the focus is on the Ring programming language.
Designed by Mahmoud Samir Fayed and developed by the Ring development team, Ring is a dynamically typed, general-purpose programming language that can be embedded in C/C++ projects, extended using C/C++ code, or used as a standalone language.
Ring was inspired by several languages, including Lua, Python, Ruby, C, C#, BASIC, QML, xBase, and Supernova.
Like Lua, Ring is lightweight, embeddable, and extensible. Ring shares Python's readability and natural language feel, although Ring's multi-paradigm approach sets it apart. Both Ring and Ruby are object-oriented languages, prioritizing developer happiness and expressiveness. Ring's ability to embed in the C/C++ project echoes their integration capabilities. Ring's simplicity and educational focus align with the early goals of BASIC, and its declarative style and nested structures are reminiscent of QML. xBase languages, like Clipper and Visual FoxPro, influenced the syntax and familiarity of Ring, and an earlier project by Mahmoud Fayed (Supernova) laid the groundwork for the language's natural language programming ideas.
Supported programming paradigms are imperative, procedural, object-oriented, functional, meta, declarative, using nested structures, and natural programming.
Ring is portable across various platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, WebAssembly, and others.
Among the goals for the language's development, were productivity and scalability. Fayed was also interested in developing a language that would be useful in education, as a general-purpose language, and in Programming Without Coding Technology (PWCST).
Ring was designed to enhance developer productivity through a language that facilitates natural language creation, making coding feel more intuitive and efficient. From small utilities or large-scale solutions, Ring was designed to be adaptable to varying project sizes. Due to its simplicity, Ring is suitable for educational purposes, introducing new programmers to compiler and Virtual Machine (VM) concepts without overwhelming them. The language is also not limited to a particular niche but is designed to create domain-specific libraries, frameworks, and tools.
Ring plays a role in the evolution of PWCST software, where it simplifies software development.
Ring is a versatile language, and can be used to create console applications, GUI applications, web applications, and mobile applications, as well as in the development of 2D and 3D games. When embedded with C/C++, it can be used in embedded systems.
Other notable features of the Ring programming language include dynamic typing, embedded capabilities, rich paradigm support, cross-platform, readability syntax, and DSL creation.
As a general-purpose language, Ring can be used for several purposes, although ideal applications for the language include rapid prototyping, scripting, educational tools, GUI development, game scripting, web development, and mobile applications (particularly on Android).
In summary, Ring is a versatile language that bridges the gap between natural language and code, empowering developers to create expressive, efficient solutions.
Recommended Resources
Beginning Ring Programming: From Novice to Professional
This book, written by Mansour Ayouni, a Ring contributor, offers an introduction to the Ring programming language. In the first part, the foundations of the language and its basic features (data types, control structures, functions, and classes) are laid, while the second part covers Ring inputs, outputs, and everything in between, and part three discusses functions and objects. Available for purchase as a softcover or e-book, portions of it may be viewed online.
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4842-5833-0
Code Project: The Ring Programming Language
Code Project is a community-driven platform that provides resources, tutorials, articles, and discussions related to software development, programming, and technology. Its section on the Ring programming language includes an introduction to the language, the background to its development, its applications, and a brief tutorial on using the code, including code examples and screenshots and its use in graphics, game development, web development, and mobile applications.
https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/1089887/The-Ring-Programming-Language
GitHub: The Ring Programming Language
GitHub is a platform where software developers and others may create repositories holding program source codes, documentation, tutorials, utilities, and other files, and members of the program's development community can collaborate and actively develop the program within GitHub. This is the official GitHub repository for the Ring programming language, which is described here in some detail, and the source code and other files are available under the MIT License.
https://github.com/ring-lang
Google Groups: The Ring Programming Language
Hosted on the Google Groups platform, this online discussion forum allows users to post questions, ideas, and suggestions about the Ring programming language and perhaps receive feedback from the Ring development community. Anyone can view forum content or join the group, while only group members can contribute to the forum discussions. Only the group owners can view members. The forum also serves as a support forum, with assistance available from other members.
https://groups.google.com/g/ring-lang
Distributed as a free and open-source project under the MIT License, Ring is a practical, general-purpose, multi-paradigm programming language, and this is the official website for the language. The site includes documentation and tutorials for the language at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, along with additional performance tips, command line options, language references, and a FAQ. Versions for various platforms may be downloaded, along with documentation.
https://ring-lang.github.io/
Hosted on SourceForge, a web service that provides a centralized online location for controlling and managing open-source software projects, offering several features to support developers, including repository hosting, bug tracking, mirroring of downloads, documentation wiki, mailing lists, user reviews and ratings, and others. This is the SourceForge area for the Ring programming language. An introduction to the language, a history, features, license, and source code are available.
https://ring-lang.sourceforge.io/doc1.1/introduction.html
