Skip to content
Artwork for The Programming Languages Podcast with Fexingo: Python, Rust, JavaScript, and Modern Coding
The Programming Languages Podcast with Fexingo: Python, Rust, JavaScript, and Modern Coding · Friday · 9 min

Why Vala Is the Unexpected Glue of Modern Linux Apps

On this episode, Lucas and Luna take a close look at Vala, the language that has quietly been powering GNOME apps for years, and why it's seeing renewed interest in 2026. With the rise of system programming alternatives and the push for faster, more memory-safe code, Vala offers a unique middle ground: it compiles to C, integrates natively with GObject, and feels like a higher-level language. The hosts drill into a concrete example: how a modern GTK app like the new Ambitious Notes app uses Vala to cut boilerplate, and how its C-generated output keeps performance predictable. They also unpack Vala's controversial history—its ties to GNOME, its near-death moments, and the community that kept it alive. If you're curious about a language that's both pragmatic and powerful, this episode gives you a clear sense of why Vala might be worth a second look in your next Linux project. Plus, a quick note on supporting the show with a coffee. #ValaLang #GNOME #GTK #Linux #SystemProgramming #CProgramming #GObject #MemorySafe #DeveloperTools #OpenSource #ProgrammingLanguages #Technology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Coding #SoftwareDevelopment #TechPodcast #LinuxApps Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

0:00-9:45

transcript

No transcript — this publisher did not publish one.

show notes

On this episode, Lucas and Luna take a close look at Vala, the language that has quietly been powering GNOME apps for years, and why it's seeing renewed interest in 2026. With the rise of system programming alternatives and the push for faster, more memory-safe code, Vala offers a unique middle ground: it compiles to C, integrates natively with GObject, and feels like a higher-level language. The hosts drill into a concrete example: how a modern GTK app like the new Ambitious Notes app uses Vala to cut boilerplate, and how its C-generated output keeps performance predictable. They also unpack Vala's controversial history—its ties to GNOME, its near-death moments, and the community that kept it alive. If you're curious about a language that's both pragmatic and powerful, this episode gives you a clear sense of why Vala might be worth a second look in your next Linux project. Plus, a quick note on supporting the show with a coffee.

#ValaLang #GNOME #GTK #Linux #SystemProgramming #CProgramming #GObject #MemorySafe #DeveloperTools #OpenSource #ProgrammingLanguages #Technology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Coding #SoftwareDevelopment #TechPodcast #LinuxApps

Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

links1