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What Is Discord Written In?

    Discord has taken the world by storm as one of the most popular communication platforms for gamers and non-gamers alike. It offers a multitude of features such as voice and video calls, screen sharing, and customizable servers. But have you ever wondered what programming language Discord is written in?

    Well, to put it simply, Discord is written in a mixture of programming languages. The main language used for Discord’s desktop application is JavaScript, while the mobile app is written in Swift for iOS and Java for Android. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the technology behind Discord and explore the programming languages that make this app run smoothly.

    Discord is written in JavaScript, specifically using the React framework for the front-end and Node.js for the back-end. This allows for easy scalability and cross-platform compatibility.

    What is Discord Written In?

    Discord is a popular communication platform used by millions of gamers, communities, and businesses worldwide. It is an all-in-one solution for voice and text chat that allows users to communicate with each other in real-time. But have you ever wondered what is Discord written in? In this article, we will explore the programming languages and technologies behind Discord.

    Discord’s Backend

    Discord’s backend is written in a combination of programming languages and technologies. The primary programming language used for the backend is Elixir. Elixir is a functional programming language that is designed for building scalable and fault-tolerant applications. It is built on top of the Erlang Virtual Machine (VM), which is known for its ability to handle a massive number of concurrent connections.

    In addition to Elixir, Discord also uses Rust for its backend. Rust is a systems programming language that is designed for performance and safety. It is used for developing high-performance components of Discord’s backend, such as the media server.

    To manage and deploy its backend infrastructure, Discord uses Kubernetes. Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration system that simplifies the deployment and management of containerized applications. It allows Discord to run its backend on a large scale, ensuring high availability and reliability.

    Discord’s Frontend

    Discord’s frontend is written in React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. React is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and performance, making it an ideal choice for building complex web applications like Discord. Discord also uses Redux, a predictable state container for JavaScript apps, to manage its frontend state.

    To ensure a smooth and responsive user experience, Discord uses WebSockets, a protocol for real-time communication between a client and a server. WebSockets allow Discord to push updates to its users in real-time, making the platform feel more like a native application than a web application.

    Discord’s Benefits

    Discord’s choice of programming languages and technologies offers several benefits. Elixir, Rust, and Kubernetes are designed to handle a massive number of connections, making Discord’s backend highly scalable and fault-tolerant. React and WebSockets ensure a smooth and responsive user experience, making Discord a pleasure to use.

    Discord’s use of Rust for its media server also offers several benefits. Rust’s focus on performance and safety makes it an ideal choice for building high-performance components like media servers. Rust’s memory safety guarantees also prevent memory-related bugs, making Discord’s media server more reliable and secure.

    Discord vs Other Communication Platforms

    Discord’s choice of programming languages and technologies sets it apart from other communication platforms. Many other communication platforms are written in more traditional languages like PHP, Python, or Java. While these languages are tried and true, they may not be as scalable or fault-tolerant as Elixir or Rust.

    Discord’s use of WebSockets also sets it apart from other communication platforms. Other platforms may use long-polling or other techniques to simulate real-time communication, but these techniques can be less efficient and less reliable than WebSockets.

    In conclusion, Discord is written in a combination of Elixir, Rust, React, and WebSockets, among other technologies. Its choice of programming languages and technologies offers several benefits, including scalability, fault-tolerance, and a smooth user experience. Discord’s use of Rust for its media server and WebSockets for real-time communication also sets it apart from other communication platforms.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Discord is a popular communication app used by gamers and communities. It offers free voice, video, and messaging services. If you are wondering about the programming language used to develop Discord, read on to find some commonly asked questions and answers.

    What language is Discord written in?

    Discord is written in a combination of programming languages. The desktop version of the app is built using Electron, a framework for building cross-platform desktop apps using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The backend of Discord is written in Elixir, a functional programming language, and runs on the Erlang virtual machine.

    Discord also uses React, a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, and Redux, a predictable state container for JavaScript apps, for its front-end development. The mobile app versions are written using native mobile programming languages like Swift for iOS and Java for Android.

    Why did Discord choose these languages?

    Discord chose Electron for its desktop app development because it allows for a consistent experience across different operating systems and easy integration with web technologies. Elixir was chosen for its ability to handle high concurrency and scalability, which is crucial for a communication app like Discord.

    React and Redux were chosen for their ease of use and flexibility in building user interfaces, while the use of native programming languages on mobile allows for optimal performance and native features on each platform.

    Who developed Discord?

    Discord was developed by Jason Citron, who previously developed a mobile game company called OpenFeint. He created Discord as a way to improve communication while playing online games with friends. The first version of Discord was released in 2015, and it has since grown to become one of the most popular communication apps for gamers and communities.

    The company behind Discord is also named Discord and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. It has over 250 million registered users as of 2021.

    What other apps use the same programming languages as Discord?

    Several other apps use Electron for their desktop versions, including Slack, Skype, and Visual Studio Code. Elixir is used by companies like Pinterest and Moz, while React and Redux are used by companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Airbnb for their front-end development. Many mobile apps also use native programming languages like Swift and Java for their development.

    However, it is important to note that the choice of programming language depends on the specific needs of the app and its developers, and there are many other programming languages and frameworks available for app development.

    Can I contribute to Discord’s development?

    Yes, Discord is an open platform, and its source code is available on GitHub. You can contribute to its development by submitting bug reports, feature requests, or even code contributions. However, keep in mind that Discord has a strict code of conduct for its community and contributors, and all contributions must adhere to its guidelines.

    Additionally, Discord also offers a Developer Portal for developers who want to build apps or bots on top of the Discord platform. The portal provides documentation, tools, and resources for building and publishing apps and bots on Discord.

    How Discord Works in 148,000 Miliseconds or Less


    In conclusion, Discord is a popular communication platform that enables users to chat, voice call, and share content with their friends and communities across the world. It is a versatile platform that can be accessed through various devices, including desktops, smartphones, and tablets.

    Discord is written in a combination of programming languages, including JavaScript, Elixir, Rust, and React. These languages enable developers to create and maintain a stable and scalable platform that can handle millions of users simultaneously.

    Overall, Discord’s coding language is a testament to the platform’s commitment to providing its users with a seamless and reliable experience. Whether you are using Discord for work or play, its advanced programming languages ensure that you can communicate and collaborate with others with ease.

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