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TypeScript types can run DOOM [video] (youtube.com)

1328 points by franky47 · 523 days ago · 360 comments on HN

Article summary

A project has successfully run the game DOOM using only TypeScript types, without using JavaScript. This achievement demonstrates the Turing completeness of TypeScript's type system. The project involved building a virtual machine and system memory with a garbage collector in TypeScript types. The outcome is considered a significant accomplishment in the field of programming languages.

Main themes

  • TypeScript type system
  • Turing completeness
  • Programming language limitations
  • Innovative uses of TypeScript
  • Software engineering

What commenters say

  • The ability to run DOOM in TypeScript types is a testament to the language's Turing completeness and robustness.
  • Just because a language is Turing complete does not mean it can practically run any program, such as DOOM, due to limitations like finite time and resources.
  • The project's success is an inspiration to push the boundaries of what is thought to be possible in programming languages.
  • Some argue that the TypeScript type system's ability to run DOOM is not a mark of quality, but rather a demonstration of its unintended use.
  • The achievement is considered a significant milestone, but some believe it does not necessarily mean that other languages with Turing complete type systems can also run DOOM.
  • The project's outcome has sparked discussions about the potential for TypeScript's type system to be developed into a fully-fledged runtime.
  • The ability to run DOOM in TypeScript types has raised questions about the limitations and possibilities of programming languages and their intended use cases.