Smalltalk for Web App Backends: Debunking Myths and Exploring Benefits

Introduction

Would you use Smalltalk to build a web app backend? For some, this question might seem outlandish, but at CompanyX, we take pride in using Smalltalk for a majority of our back-end development, along with some front-end work. This article will delve into the reasons why Smalltalk is a viable option for building web app backends, address common misconceptions, and explore the benefits and challenges of using it.

Why Smalltalk is a Viable Option for Web App Backends

At CompanyX, we heavily rely on Smalltalk for our back-end development. One of the primary reasons for favoring Smalltalk is the level of visibility and control it provides during development. Smalltalk's environment allows us to develop models at a high level while also debugging lower-level system calls to operating system services. This unique combination gives us a comprehensive view of our application's inner workings.

We can leverage components from other languages or technologies, which can be advantageous in certain scenarios. For instance, when a specific component or library from another language can provide better performance or functionality, we integrate it seamlessly.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions surrounding Smalltalk that need to be debunked:

Smalltalk is a dead language: This claim is often made by people who either do not know Smalltalk or are unwilling to learn it. However, Smalltalk is far from being dead. Despite its niche usage in certain industries, it remains a powerful and relevant language for developers who understand its capabilities. Smalltalk is slow: Performance concerns are another common misconception. In reality, Smalltalk can be just as fast and efficient as other mainstream languages, depending on the specific use case. Smalltalk is hard to learn: This argument is often based on a lack of familiarity with the language's syntax and ecosystem. However, with a bit of effort, learning Smalltalk can be just as intuitive as learning any other programming language.

Exploring Seaside and Other Alternatives

One of the popular frameworks for Smalltalk web development is Seaside. Seaside is renowned for its advanced web framework based on continuations, which simplifies the handling of asynchronous client-server interactions. This approach makes the code seem sequential, enhancing developer productivity and making it easier to understand the architecture.

While I have a personal preference for statically typed languages, I am willing to consider Smalltalk for my next project. Thanks to alternative solutions like Fay (F#) and WebSharper, I can achieve similar benefits and functionality. Fay, for example, is a language for .NET that can be used as a drop-in replacement for JavaScript, and WebSharper is a framework for building web applications in F#.

Personal Bias and Future Prospects

As a proponent of Smalltalk, I wish it were more widely recognized as a candidate for web backend work. Unfortunately, it has been largely displaced by more popular languages like C and Java for commercial applications, with Smalltalk finding a niche in legacy and specific niches. However, I believe there is still a significant untapped potential for Smalltalk in web development.

For those interested in learning Smalltalk or experimenting with it, there are several reasons to consider it:

Unique Approach to Web Development: Seaside's use of continuations offers a fresh perspective and can provide valuable insights into the construction of web frameworks. Customizable Solutions: Integrating components from other languages can lead to more efficient and tailored solutions. Comprehensive Support: Although Smalltalk has a smaller user base, the community and available resources are dedicated and growing.

In conclusion, while Smalltalk is not the mainstream choice for web backend development, it remains a powerful and innovative tool. As highlighted in this article, it is worth considering for those open to exploring new paradigms and willing to challenge common misconceptions.

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