Fantom

Author
Brian Frank, Andy Frank
License
Academic Free License 3.0
Active since
2005-01-01
Platforms
Linux, macOS, Windows, Solaris

Introduction to Fantom

Fantom is a relatively modern programming language designed to address the complexities and limitations of existing languages by offering a balanced and pragmatic approach to software development. It was created with the intent to simplify the development process by providing a single codebase that can be compiled to run on multiple platforms, including Java, JavaScript, and the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR). This cross-platform capability is one of Fantom's core strengths, allowing developers to write code once and deploy it across various environments without needing extensive modifications.

Main usages of Fantom

Fantom is primarily used for developing cross-platform applications, leveraging its ability to compile code for multiple runtime environments like Java, JavaScript, and the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR). This makes Fantom an ideal choice for projects that need to run on different operating systems and devices without extensive codebase modifications. Web applications, in particular, benefit from Fantom’s ability to compile to JavaScript, enabling seamless integration with web browsers.

Authors of Fantom

Fantom was created by Brian Frank and Andy Frank, who are brothers and experienced software developers with a background in designing and building enterprise-level software systems. Their combined expertise and shared vision for a more efficient and versatile programming language led to the development of Fantom. The Franks sought to address the limitations they encountered with existing languages by creating a language that could seamlessly operate across different platforms and provide a consistent development experience.

Current developers of Fantom

The current development of the Fantom programming language is spearheaded by a dedicated community of open-source contributors, along with continued involvement from its original creators, Brian Frank and Andy Frank. This collaborative effort ensures that the language evolves to meet modern programming needs while maintaining its core principles of simplicity and cross-platform compatibility. The open-source nature of the project allows developers from around the world to contribute to its codebase, propose new features, and fix bugs.

Package management systems used in Fantom

Fantom's package management system, known as Pods, is designed to streamline the process of distributing and managing libraries and dependencies within the Fantom ecosystem. Pods are the fundamental units of packaging in Fantom, encapsulating code, resources, and metadata into a single, reusable module. This modular approach simplifies dependency management, allowing developers to easily include and update libraries in their projects. Each pod is versioned, ensuring that specific versions of libraries can be reliably used across different projects, which is crucial for maintaining compatibility and stability in software development.

The Fantom package repository, known as Fantom Pod Repository, is the central hub for hosting and sharing pods. Developers can publish their pods to the repository, making them accessible to the wider Fantom community. This repository serves as a centralized source for discovering and downloading libraries, tools, and frameworks, fostering a collaborative and resource-rich environment. The repository's web interface and command-line tools make it easy for developers to search for, install, and manage pods, streamlining the development workflow and enhancing productivity.

Frameworks used in Fantom

There are no popular frameworks available online for the Fantom programming language.

Static and dynamic analysis tools used in Fantom

There are no popular static and dynamic analysis tools available online for the Fantom programming language.

Testing tools used in Fantom

There are no popular testing tools available online for the Fantom programming language.