Crystal – A Ruby-esque programing language
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
US / Canada
UK / Australia
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
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.