In what programming language is WhatsApp written - briefly?
WhatsApp is primarily written in the Erlang programming language, which is known for its robustness and ability to handle large numbers of simultaneous connections efficiently. Additionally, some parts of the application are developed using Java and other languages, but Erlang remains the core technology driving WhatsApp's functionality.
In what programming language is WhatsApp written - in detail?
WhatsApp, the popular messaging application owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), is primarily written in Erlang and YARN (Yet Another Resource Negotiator). This choice of programming languages is not accidental; both languages are designed to handle high-volume traffic and ensure system reliability, which are crucial for an application with over 2 billion users worldwide.
Erlang, developed by Ericsson, is known for its robustness in handling concurrent processes efficiently. Its lightweight processes and message-passing model allow WhatsApp to manage numerous simultaneous user interactions without significant overhead. This makes Erlang ideal for building scalable and fault-tolerant systems, ensuring that the application remains responsive even during peak usage times.
YARN, on the other hand, is a cluster management technology in the Hadoop ecosystem that facilitates resource management and job scheduling across a distributed computing environment. WhatsApp utilizes YARN to manage its big data infrastructure, enabling it to process and analyze vast amounts of user-generated data efficiently. This capability is essential for maintaining the application's performance and providing personalized experiences to users.
In addition to these primary languages, WhatsApp also employs other technologies such as React Native for its mobile applications and Node.js for server-side operations. The integration of various programming languages and frameworks allows WhatsApp to leverage their unique strengths, ensuring a seamless and reliable user experience across different platforms.
Overall, the choice of Erlang and YARN, along with other supporting technologies, underscores WhatsApp's commitment to delivering a robust, scalable, and high-performing messaging platform that meets the demands of its global user base.