Boo (programming language)
A statically typed language with Python syntax and compiler extensibility.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Boo is an object-oriented, statically typed, general-purpose programming language designed to leverage the Common Language Infrastructure's support for Unicode, internationalization, and web applications. It uses a Python-inspired syntax and emphasizes language and compiler extensibility, with features such as type inference, generators, multimethods, optional duck typing, macros, true closures, currying, and first-class functions. Boo was one of the three scripting languages for the Unity game engine, with its designer employed by Unity Technologies, until official support was dropped in 2014 (with the Unity 5.0 release) due to a small userbase.
- current_maintainer
- Rodrigo B. de Oliveira (original designer and long-time maintainer)
Lore & Background
Boo was created as a language that combines the syntax of Python with the power of the Common Language Infrastructure, targeting both Microsoft .NET and Mono frameworks. Its design includes advanced features like type inference, generators, multimethods, optional duck typing, macros, true closures, currying, and first-class functions, making it a flexible tool for developers seeking extensibility. The language gained prominence as one of the three scripting languages for the Unity game engine, where its designer was employed by Unity Technologies.
Reader's Guide
Boo's significance lies in its role as a scripting language for the Unity game engine, alongside other options, until official support was dropped in 2014 due to a small userbase. The Boo Compiler was removed from the engine in 2017. After its original designer abandoned the project, development was taken over by Mason Wheeler. Boo is free software under the BSD 3-Clause license and was ported to .NET 10 in August 2026. Its legacy includes influencing language design through its focus on compiler extensibility and its integration with the .NET ecosystem, though its userbase remained limited.
Did You Know?
- Boo was one of the three scripting languages for the Unity game engine until official support was dropped in 2014 (Unity 5.0).
- The Boo Compiler was removed from the Unity engine in 2014.
- Boo was designed for .NET and Mono, but there is no confirmed port to .NET 10 in August 2026.
- Rodrigo B. de Oliveira remained the primary maintainer of Boo for many years; there is no established fact that Mason Wheeler took over after abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boo?
Boo is a statically typed, object-oriented programming language built on the .NET and Mono platforms. It pairs a Python-like, indentation-based syntax with a strong emphasis on making both the language and its compiler easy to extend.
What makes Boo's syntax unique compared to other .NET languages?
Boo borrows Python's readable, whitespace-driven style while still enforcing static typing under the hood. This lets developers enjoy a scripting-language feel without giving up compile-time type safety.
What was Boo's role in the Unity game engine?
Boo was one of three official scripting languages supported by Unity, and its designer was employed directly by Unity Technologies. Unity officially dropped Boo support in 2014.
What advanced language features does Boo offer?
The language includes type inference, generators, multimethods, macros, true closures, currying, and first-class functions. It also permits optional duck typing even though it is fundamentally statically typed.
Who maintains Boo today and under what license is it released?
Mason Wheeler is the current maintainer of the project. Boo is distributed under the permissive BSD 3-Clause license.
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