Fast and reliable programs with OCaml
Summary
Compared with Python, OCaml is a lot faster, and static checking makes code more reliable and easier to refactor. However, the syntax is less consistent, and syntax errors are harder to track down. Compared with Java, OCaml's type checking is better (no NullPointerException
!), the code is much less verbose, and startup time and memory usage are lower. However, you do lose Java's binary compatibility: OCaml libraries must be recompiled when their dependencies change. Compared with Haskell, OCaml is easier to learn. It provides familiar constructs like while
loops, mutable variables, and classes, making it straightforward to port existing code to OCaml. OCaml, however, lacks Haskell's type classes for convenient overloading.
OCaml is a very practical language for writing Linux applications, services, and utilities. It's reliable, fast, easy to learn, and fun to use. Additionally, it has many libraries available, can call C code easily (with ocaml-ctypes
), and has a helpful and friendly community.
Infos
- OCaml: http://ocaml.org/
- OPAM: http://opam.ocamlpro.com/
- Blog: http://roscidus.com/blog/
« Previous 1 2 3 4 5
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.
-
DebConf24 to be Held in South Korea
Busan will be the location of the latest DebConf running July 28 through August 4