Introduction to Modern Startups Using Smalltalk

Smalltalk is a powerful yet often overlooked programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) that has the potential to revolutionize modern startups. From hardware processors to web applications, Smalltalk continues to play a significant role in the tech ecosystem. This article explores how startups are embracing Smalltalk and its derivatives to innovate and achieve success.

The Tech Startup Morphle: Pushing the Boundaries with Smalltalk

Morphle, a Silicon Valley startup, is developing the SiliconSqueak processor. This processor is designed to leverage the Squeak Smalltalk virtual machine's bytecode, making it adaptable and enabling hot-swapping to support various bytecodes. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between traditional hardware and the dynamic nature of Smalltalk, which has historically been noted for its flexibility and ease of use in development.

The name Morphle evokes the Morphic library, a graphical interface library created on Self (a prototype-based scripting language) and later ported to Squeak (an implementation of the Smalltalk programming language). Morphic concepts, such as dynamic interface rearrangement, are now integral to many advanced GUI systems. Morphle's hardware technology aims to apply these principles in a physical context, allowing for on-the-fly software updates and customization.

FLProg: Visual Coding for Arduino

FLProg is another example of a startup that leverages Smalltalk for modern development. FLProg is a PLC-like environment designed to generate code from visual models for Arduino boards. This approach simplifies the process of coding for hardware, making it more accessible to developers and non-experts. By abstracting away the complexities of traditional programming, FLProg enables users to focus on the logic rather than the syntactical nuances of code.

Scandinavian SaaS Startups in Smalltalk

The Scandinavian startup scene is rich with Smalltalk projects. For instance, a group of founders, including myself, launched a SaaS startup providing CRM and ERP solutions. This project showcased the versatility of Smalltalk in building robust, business-centric applications.

Pharo: A Business-Focused Smalltalk Implementation

Pharo, an open-source implementation of Smalltalk that forked from Squeak in 2009, is gaining traction as a preferred platform for business apps and professional coding. Pharo has witnessed several success stories, including applications like Yesplan, a versatile event management software developed by Belgian startup Inceptive.

Inceptive: Leading the Way with Pharo and GemStone/S

Inceptive, a Belgian startup co-founded by me, has developed multiple SaaS products using the Seaside web application framework, Pharo Smalltalk, and GemStone/S. These products include:

Yesplan: A robust ERP system for cultural event organizations, developed in collaboration with Vooruit, a Belgian arts center. Yesplan is employed by over 100 organizations in Belgium and the Netherlands, demonstrating its efficacy and scalability. Orderflow: A logistics management application aimed at technical high schools, managed entirely by Inceptive. This project showcases the practical application of Smalltalk in solving real-world problems. NORIZZK: A platform for risk-based test management, developed by a leading Belgian company in the test management industry under the development services of Inceptive.

Conclusion

Smalltalk, with its dynamic nature and powerful capabilities, continues to be a valuable tool for startups seeking innovation. From hardware processors to software applications, Smalltalk and its derivatives, like Morphle and Pharo, are driving the tech industry forward. As more companies recognize the benefits of Smalltalk, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future.