The Past, Present and Future of Programming Languages

Kevlin Henney dives into how programming languages sit smack-dab between the metal and the mind—bridging circuits and applications, shaping not just code but entire philosophies, ecosystems and communities. He reminds us that most “new” language features have actually been around for decades and that progress in our field often feels more like a slow evolution than a sprint.

Looking ahead, Henney asks how trends like open source and AI-driven tools (LLMs) will influence the languages we use and the way we think about them. This talk takes you on a whirlwind tour of where we’ve been, where we are, and the many possibilities waiting in the wings.

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