Crystal – A Ruby-esque programing language
Crystal Clear
© Lead Image © Lukas Gojda, 123RF.com
Crystal is an open source project that seeks to combine the best of two worlds: the simplicity of a language syntax similar to Ruby and the speed and capabilities of the LLVM platform.
In the fall of 2012, Argentinian Ary Borenszweig implemented his Crystal project [1] as a "programming language for people and computers." This sentence probably best expresses what this language sets out to combine: the simplicity and elegance of a Ruby-esque language syntax with the efficiency and speed benefits of compiled languages such as C.
The driving force behind the development of Crystal in recent years has been the Argentine software consulting company Manas [2], which is where Borenszweig works. As of this writing, some 100 volunteers are pushing forward with the project on GitHub [3]. You can look up all of the language's functions in a GitBook [4]. Newcomers can take their first steps without installing anything by entering code into a simple web-based Crystal editor and compiler [5].
Benchmark
The script in Figure 1 runs the Ruby code from Listing 1 as a simple benchmark. It includes a loop containing a multiplication. From the time measured at the start and end of the program, a simple subtraction gives you the execution time. Ruby 1.9.3 takes around six seconds, or around four seconds for JRuby. On the website [5], the same script takes only around 0.3 seconds (Figure 2).
[...]
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
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
-
Some Linux Distros Skirt Age Verification Laws
After California introduced an age verification law recently, open source operating system developers have had to get creative with how they deal with it.
-
UN Creates Open Source Portal
In a quest to strengthen open source collaboration, the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology has created a new portal.
-
Latest Linux Kernel RC Contains Changes Galore
Linux kernel 7.0-rc3 includes more changes than have been made in a single release in recent history.
-
Nitrux 6.0 Now Ready to Rock Your World
The latest iteration of the Debian-based distribution includes all kinds of newness.
-
Linux Foundation Reports that Open Source Delivers Better ROI
In a report that may surprise no one in the Linux community, the Linux Foundation found that businesses are finding a 5X return on investment with open source software.
-
Keep Android Open
Google has announced that, soon, anyone looking to develop Android apps will have to first register centrally with Google.
-
Kernel 7.0 Now in Testing
Linus Torvalds has announced the first Release Candidate (RC) for the 7.x kernel is available for those who want to test it.