Solving the first 100 Project Euler problems using 100 languages

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Project overview & initial reactions

  • Repository solves the first 100 Project Euler problems, each in a different language.
  • Many commenters find the project impressive and fun, especially the breadth of languages and the author’s per-language notes.
  • Some expected “10,000 solutions” (100 problems × 100 languages) based on the title and were briefly disappointed before realizing that would be unreasonable.

Language selection and omissions

  • Interest in more “unusual” choices, e.g., Verilog or other hardware description languages; one commenter notes Verilog is in fact included.
  • Others highlight the use of multiple BASIC dialects and note that BASIC variants can be quite different.
  • Debate over “proper” statically typed languages:
    • One commenter criticizes the list for omitting popular statically typed languages (e.g., Rust, C++, Go, etc.).
    • Others point out many static languages are present (e.g., Ada, Nim, Haskell, TypeScript, Verilog), and accuse critics of not reading the list carefully.
  • Rust’s absence is discussed:
    • Some joke that it “feels like a statement.”
    • It’s clarified the author chose languages that were new to them.
    • Side-thread devolves into criticism of Rust’s community “cult-like” enthusiasm vs defenders framing this as normal tool advocacy.

Impressions of specific languages

  • Nim receives especially positive commentary: easy to start with, fast compilation, small binaries, pleasant syntax, good for hobby projects.
  • Some discuss BASIC, assembly, and BCD (binary-coded decimal) as “old school” concepts that surprised readers when they appeared.

Math vs programming in Project Euler

  • Several comments stress Euler as primarily math- and algorithm-focused, more so than LeetCode or Advent of Code.
  • Later problems often require mathematical insight (number theory, generating functions, closed forms) before coding.
  • Suggested resources include classic number theory texts and generatingfunctionology.
  • Some argue that brute force becomes unwelcome at a certain point; others say it’s fine to just start and learn as you go.

Publishing solutions & respect for Project Euler

  • Debate over whether publishing solutions is disrespectful:
    • One side finds public solutions annoying and believes it trivializes others’ efforts and undermines the “honor system.”
    • Others argue:
      • Solutions to early problems are already widely available.
      • The Euler site explicitly permits discussion of the first 100 problems, provided the focus is on methods, not just answers.
      • Project Euler is not a competition; copying solutions is distinct from truly solving problems.