Cobra programming language

[Andre S. Veteran]

I've recently discovered this gem of a programming language:

class SmallSample

	var _random = Random() 

	def randomString(length as int, alphabet as String) as String
		require
			length > 0
			alphabet <> ''
		ensure
			result.length == length
		test
			u = Utils()
			assert u.randomString(5, 'ab').length == 5
			s = u.randomString(1000, 'a')
			for c in s, assert c == 'a'
		body
			sb = StringBuilder()
			for i in length
				c = alphabet[_random.next(alphabet.length)]
				sb.append(c)
			return sb.toString

	def main
		alphabet = 'abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz'
		for i in 10, print .randomString(10, alphabet)

As you see from the sample:

• Integrated pre and post-condition checking
  
• Integrated unit testing
  
• Python-like syntax (it's actually much cleaner than Python)
  

What you don't see from the sample:

• Performance similar to Java, C#
  
• Seamlessly supports both static and dynamic typing (favors static typing)
  
• CLI-compliant, compiles to .NET assemblies, currently runs on Mono and .NET (JVM port in the works). So you get to use all the .NET framework libraries and awesomeness just like under C# or your favorite .NET language.
  
• Debugging and syntax highlighting under Visual Studio 2010
  

http://cobra-language.com/

I've been messing around with it for a few days now, and I'd say that if they can get Intellisense working in VS2010, I could very well switch from C# to that for my personal projects.

Edited November 30, 2010 by Dr_Asik

[+Majesticmerc MVC]

Don't know if I like the syntax personally, it looks like a VB-Python hybrid! Loving the built-in condition checking though, going to have to have a play with this. Thanks for sharing!

[ViperAFK]

Very interesting

[gigapixels Veteran]

Very cool. Thanks for the heads up (Y)

[+Xinok Subscriber²]

It looks like a great language, I'll have to take a closer look at it. But the first thing I noticed is using indentation to define scope, which I never much cared for in Python.

[Andre S. Veteran]

the first thing I noticed is using indentation to define scope, which I never much cared for in Python.

Yeah it makes refactoring difficult, with little benefit IMO. But I can live with that.

[Xilo]

Looks like Python and VB.Net's love child.

[fhpuqrgrpgvirzhpujbj]

Looks like Python and VB.Net's love child.

Indeed. I'd prefer Python# to VBPython but it still looks cool.

[Blaze_Zewi]

The name sounds cool. Cobra!

Person 1: What programming language is that?

Me: Cobra!

Person 1: :s

[wellofsouls]

The name sounds cool. Cobra!

Person 1: What programming language is that?

Me: Cobra!

Person 1: :s

I think it may have something to do with its similarity to Python. ;)

[Andre S. Veteran]

I think it may have something to do with its similarity to Python. ;)

And the Cobra swallows the Python!

[tiagosilva29]

• Integrated pre and post-condition checking

Ah... the beauty of design by contract.

[BaheK]

The name sounds cool. Cobra!

Person 1: What programming language is that?

Me: Cobra!

Person 1: :s

:p