Flexible metaprogramming with Rhombus
Rhombus is a new programming language designed to combine the powerful metaprogramming capabilities of Racket with a more accessible, Python-like syntax. Developed by researchers and supported by the Racket Programming Language Foundation, it aims to bridge the gap between academic research and professional software development.
Why it matters
It offers a potential solution to the 'Lisp syntax' barrier, making advanced language-extensibility features more approachable for mainstream developers.
Welcome to LWN.net The following subscription-only content has been made available to you by an LWN subscriber. Thousands of subscribers depend on LWN for the best news from the Linux and free software communities. If you enjoy this article, please consider subscribing to LWN . Thank you for visiting LWN.net! By Daroc Alden June 30, 2026 Lisp-like languages have historically led the world in metaprogramming and flexibility. While many modern languages have adopted the idea of macros, Lisp-like languages such as Racket have continued pushing the envelope, attempting to make macros as easy as possible to incorporate into everyday programs. On the other hand, Lisp's minimal, parenthesis-based syntax can be hard to adapt to — to the point that Lisp is sometimes said to stand for "Lots of Irritating Silly Parentheses". Rhombus is a new programming language that aims to have the best of both worlds, marrying Racket's metaprogramming capabilities to a simple Python-like syntax and reasonable standard-library defaults.
The article is a technical overview of a programming language with no political or social agenda.
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