Writing Notes

Programming Languages

Our programming languages faculty are widely recognized as world leaders in the theoretical foundations, practical implementation, and application of programming languages.

CSD PL research is concerned with a comprehensive science of programming that encompasses not only language design and implementation as ordinarily conceived, but also specification, verification, implementation, evaluation, and validation of programs. We believe that programming is fundamentally an explanatory activity, which requires that a program be codified in a form that not only supports execution on a computer, but also manifests its design so that they can be understood by developers and maintainers, and subjected to mechanical verification and validation.

Our work comprises a broad spectrum of research, ranging from abstract theories of programming concepts to large-scale implementations of these ideas in working software systems. It is precisely this broad scope of investigation that distinguishes us from our competitors. Over the last two decades we have repeatedly demonstrated that fundamental theory is essential for building robust and reliable systems, and that enduring and elegant theories arise from meeting the demands of building such systems.

pieces of paper on a table top with programming or CMU POP Group references

Our success in advancing an integrated view of Computer Science encourages us to take on even greater challenges, and opens up many new possibilities for us to explore. We envision that future languages will have fully formal definitions with fully checked proofs of their safety and security properties as a matter of course.


News

Gates Center viewed from the Pausch bridge on the CMU Pittsburgh Campus

CMU Tops U.S. News Graduate CS Rankings

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Carnegie Mellon ranks first for overall graduate computer science programs, tied with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University. Among computer science programs, CMU also earned No. 1 rankings in Programming Language, Artificial Intelligence, and Systems, along with a No. 2 ranking in Theory (tied with University of California Berkeley).

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Two women pose, one seated on a green ottoman, the other standing behind her.

Saxena, Saint Phalle Receive Stehlik Scholarship

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Claire de Saint Phalle and Tanisha Saxena both developed their interest in computer science in after-school programs. They learned to build robots and program at early ages, and went on to nurture those interests throughout high school and all the way to Carnegie Mellon University. In May, they'll both cross the School of Computer Science (SCS) graduation stage as recipients of the Stehlik Scholarship. Read More

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