Fantom - The Next Generation Programming Language!
So you've heard of Fantom and want to find out more? You've come to the right place!
Why Fantom?
There are a couple of JVM based languages out there, but what makes Fantom so special? Let's find out...
- Fantom is Fun & Gets Stuff Done!
A 5 minute lightning talk on the Fantom programming language.
- Syntax Showdown - Fantom vs C#
For those already familiar with the Java this slide-show gives 10 concise Fantom code examples and explains how they differ from C#.
- Syntax Showdown - Fantom vs Java
Like the above, only for Java.
- Why Fantom
This is the official stance from Fantom's creators, Brian and Andy Frank. It's a whistle stop tour of the main features of Fantom. A little something to wet your appetite!
- The Adventurous Developer's Guide to JVM Languages :: Fantom
But don't just take Fantom's word for it, this independent article by RebelLabs takes a favourable view also.
Fantom Online!
If you've never seen Fantom code before, or fancy a quick play, then look no further than:
The Fanzy website lets you execute real Fantom code, online in a browser, with no installation! Just point your browser at Ideone and type away!!!
It also has a great tour that prompts you to try out some of Fantom's core features. It only takes a minute, try it!
For a more real life experience, try Fantom on Coding Ground:
It lets you create and edit multiple source files and even provides a terminal to run them in!
Fantom Essentials
By now you're pretty excited and want to try Fantom on your own computer. It's time to get serious, so read these articles on Fantom-Factory...
- How to Install Fantom
A step by step tutorial on how to install Fantom.
- Hello Fantom! Hello World!
An in-depth look at the
Hello Worldprogram and the different ways to execute it as a script. - How to Setup a Fantom Project
Describes the directory structure and files needed to create a basic Fantom application.
- How to Build and Run a Fantom App
Explains how to compile a Fantom project and run it.
- How to Distribute Your Fantom App
Once you've built your project, how do you share it with others?
- Inside a Fantom Pod
Inspects the contents of the BedSheet library (pod) to see what it contains.
- Inside a Fantom Build Script
Explains how a typical Fantom build script works by inspecting the one used by BedSheet.
F4 IDE for Fantom
You can't keep using MS Notepad forever!
At some point you'll want a proper IDE with continuous compilation, contextual auto-complete and a debugger! And when that time comes, you should read this:
- An Introduction to the F4 IDE
A guided walk through of the Fantom F4 IDE from Xored.
Fantom Web Applications
Not just for desktop and mobile apps, Fantom has a suite of tools and libraries for writing web applications too!
- Web App Tutorial
A tutorial on how to use the full suite of Alien-Factory web technologies to create a performant web application.
Other Resources
Still need more? Here are some other resources available on the web:
- Language Tour
This official guide gives a quick rundown of the language syntax.
- Fantom documentation
The official documentation is really good, with lots of examples. Use it as a reference guide when you know what you're looking for.
- Fantom Pod Repository
A repository of popular Fantom libraries.
- A Short Introduction to Fantom
If you're already a programmer and are looking to see what Fantom offers above and beyond the usual, then look no further.
- Fantom Public Wiki
A list of resources and libraries for Fantom as maintained by YOU!
Help!
Still stuck? Try asking questions here:
- Fantom Forum: The Fantom discussion board
The official discussion board for Fantom. Many questions have been asked in the past, so a quick search here may herald many answers!
- Google+ Community
A social media community full of helpful chappies!
Have fun!