Esolangs Workshop

This Esolangs workshop is for those interested in exploring unconventional approaches to programming or who view coding as a way to express ideas rather than just instruct machines. If traditional programming hasn’t resonated with you, BQN offers a new perspective that might click.

David Zwitser will take us on a journey to explore BQN, a programming language rooted in the world of APL. Though BQN isn’t actually considered an esolang, or esoteric programming language, it shares a similar spirit of exploration. Esoteric languages are often created to challenge conventional ideas about programming, using minimal commands or strange syntaxes that transform coding into a more creative and experimental process. Like esolangs, BQN invites us to think differently about how we approach coding, turning code into something that feels more like an art form instead of focusing on practicality.

In this workshop we will start by discussing the history and philosophy behind APL and BQN. Together we’ll experiment with BQN’s unique glyph-based syntax and explore the power of its array-centric design. After a break, you’ll have the opportunity to dive in deeper by working on small experiments or longer coding sessions, depending on your preference. We’ll wrap up by reflecting on how BQN compares to other languages you’ve encountered and what it teaches us about programming more broadly.

📍 Vlampijpstraat 84, CCU Studio
📅 19 October, 13:00 - 17:00
🎫 €40,- regular/ €20,- student

While previous coding experience can be helpful, it’s not essential; what you really need is curiosity and an open mind!

If you'd like a preview of what BQN can do, In this video you can see how David programmed Snake with it in only eight minutes! Are you curious about this different way of thinking about code? Join this workshop and discover what’s possible with BQN.