Vigil: The Eternal Morally Vigilant Programming Language
Vigil, created by Bob Nystrom in 2013, stands as a unique entry in the world of esoteric programming languages (esolangs). What sets Vigil apart is its highly unconventional and peculiar philosophy: it’s designed to be “eternally morally vigilant.” While most programming languages focus on technical features like performance, syntax simplicity, or versatility, Vigil’s primary purpose revolves around the exploration of ethical decision-making within software development.
Origins and Philosophy
The inception of Vigil is deeply intertwined with its foundational concept: an esoteric language that encourages constant moral reflection in the process of programming. The title itself, “Vigil,” speaks to the role of a guardian, ever watchful of the morality and ethical implications of each line of code that a programmer writes. In this sense, Vigil isn’t just a tool for building software—it’s a lens through which one is compelled to examine the ethical consequences of their creations.
Vigil arose from the mind of Bob Nystrom, a developer with a keen interest in programming languages and their philosophical undertones. As an esolang, Vigil doesn’t necessarily aim to be practical for real-world development, but rather to provoke thought about the act of programming itself. It challenges the programmer to remain “morally vigilant,” questioning whether their code contributes positively to society, whether it respects privacy, and whether it is designed with ethical considerations in mind.
Key Features and Syntax
Vigil is characterized by a few notable features that make it distinct from more conventional programming languages. Despite its role as an esolang, it still provides the basic constructs necessary for logical expressions and flow control, but with a twist: the programmer must constantly evaluate the moral dimensions of the code they are writing.
Comments and Moral Reflections
One of Vigil’s most prominent features is its support for comments. However, comments in Vigil are not just for documenting the code or explaining its behavior; they serve as a vehicle for the programmer to reflect on the ethical implications of their code. The language allows comments to be inserted into the code freely, helping programmers to articulate their moral stance on the software they are creating.
In Vigil, a comment is initiated with the traditional # symbol, similar to many programming languages. However, Vigil elevates the significance of comments by encouraging programmers to use them to describe not only what the code does, but also why it does it and whether its actions are morally justifiable. For example, a line of code could be followed by a comment questioning whether it violates privacy or upholds fairness.
No Semantic Indentation
Unlike many other programming languages that rely heavily on indentation to denote scope or logic, Vigil deliberately eschews semantic indentation. This choice reflects the language’s focus on internal moral deliberation rather than external formatting conventions. Programmers are free to arrange the code in any way that best represents their moral reasoning, without the constraint of adhering to strict indentation rules.
Line Comments
The use of line comments (#) in Vigil is central to the programmer’s process of moral vigilance. These comments are not merely explanatory; they are an active part of the development process. Vigil encourages programmers to ask questions within these comments, such as whether the code violates principles of fairness, transparency, or accessibility. As such, Vigil becomes not just a tool for writing programs but also a medium for engaging in an ethical discourse.
Vigil’s Community and Influence
While Vigil is not designed for mainstream use or commercial software development, it has still attracted a niche following within the esoteric programming language community. Its unconventional focus on ethics has resonated with some programmers, especially those interested in exploring the intersection of technology and morality. However, due to the specific nature of its design, Vigil’s community remains relatively small.
There is no central package repository associated with Vigil, and the language lacks the widespread open-source infrastructure that is typical of more conventional programming languages. However, it is still open-source, and its code is accessible to anyone who wishes to explore its features or contribute to its development. The primary means of distribution is through its GitHub repository, where developers can explore the language’s codebase and engage with ongoing discussions.
GitHub Repository and Issues
Vigil’s GitHub repository has accumulated a total of 21 issues, reflecting ongoing conversations and bug fixes related to the language. The first commit dates back to 2013, marking the official beginning of Vigil’s existence as an open-source project. Despite its niche status, the repository serves as a place for developers to contribute to the language’s evolution, suggesting features or improvements based on their experiences with the language.
Challenges and Criticisms
Like many esoteric programming languages, Vigil is not without its criticisms. Its unusual focus on moral vigilance rather than practical functionality can make it impractical for real-world applications. The absence of semantic indentation can also be a challenge for those accustomed to more structured languages. However, this lack of conventional structure is precisely what sets Vigil apart, emphasizing the language’s philosophy over its technical limitations.
Critics argue that the focus on moral vigilance can be seen as a philosophical abstraction that detracts from the pragmatic needs of software development. While ethical considerations are undoubtedly important in the tech industry, some believe that Vigil’s approach may be more of an intellectual exercise than a practical tool for building robust software systems.
Vigil in the Context of Other Esolangs
Esolangs, or esoteric programming languages, are often designed not for practical use but to explore unusual or extreme ideas about programming. Some esolangs focus on bizarre syntax, while others emphasize minimalism or the complete lack of a practical purpose. Vigil can be classified alongside these other languages, but it distinguishes itself by being the first to specifically center on moral considerations in coding practices.
Unlike esolangs that simply amuse with their impracticality, Vigil challenges developers to engage in deep ethical reflection. In this sense, it stands as a thought experiment—one that forces the programmer to consider the ultimate consequences of the code they write, not just in terms of functionality, but in terms of human impact.
The Future of Vigil
The future of Vigil remains uncertain. As a niche esolang, it’s unlikely to see widespread adoption in professional software development circles. However, its presence in the esolang community continues to inspire thought-provoking conversations about the ethical responsibilities of programmers. In a world increasingly concerned with privacy, data security, and social justice, Vigil offers a framework for thinking about the role of technology in shaping society.
While Vigil may never achieve mainstream use, its philosophical message about moral vigilance in programming is one that could influence the development of other programming languages in the future. If nothing else, Vigil serves as a reminder that, as we create the tools that shape the world, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that those tools serve the greater good.
Conclusion
Vigil, the “eternal morally vigilant programming language,” offers a unique and thought-provoking approach to programming. Created by Bob Nystrom in 2013, it challenges programmers to examine the ethical dimensions of their code, focusing not just on how programs work, but on why they work the way they do. While it may not be practical for everyday software development, Vigil stands as a compelling example of how programming languages can be used as vehicles for philosophical exploration. Whether it leads to practical changes in how we develop software or simply sparks deeper reflection, Vigil’s message is clear: programmers must be vigilant in considering the moral implications of their work.