I would say metaprogramming (and maybe the excellent FFI) is the huge stand-out feature for Nim.
However whilst you can compare all these languages and find a particular niche or set of features that sell them, Nim is just good at pretty much everything.
I know that sounds pretty bombastic, but you can practically pick any task and know that Nim will let you get there rapidly and performantly. That's it's ultimate strength. It's just so productive! It puts the fun back into a day job.
It's as easy to develop in as Python (great type inferrence and strong, static typing), but fast as well written C, yet (AST based) metaprogramming allows it to be higher level than even Python.
On top of low developer friction, it outputs stand-alone executables for effortless distribution. It's my first choice for scripting, for CRUD work, web stuff, game development, and embedded coding.
Doesn't hurt that it can compile to c, c++ and javascript so you can write your backend and frontend in the same language.
Also since the FFI is so great, you can effortlessly use the entire library ecosystem of C and C++.
Of course, it's not perfect, but for me it's getting pretty close.
However whilst you can compare all these languages and find a particular niche or set of features that sell them, Nim is just good at pretty much everything.
I know that sounds pretty bombastic, but you can practically pick any task and know that Nim will let you get there rapidly and performantly. That's it's ultimate strength. It's just so productive! It puts the fun back into a day job.
It's as easy to develop in as Python (great type inferrence and strong, static typing), but fast as well written C, yet (AST based) metaprogramming allows it to be higher level than even Python.
On top of low developer friction, it outputs stand-alone executables for effortless distribution. It's my first choice for scripting, for CRUD work, web stuff, game development, and embedded coding.
Doesn't hurt that it can compile to c, c++ and javascript so you can write your backend and frontend in the same language.
Also since the FFI is so great, you can effortlessly use the entire library ecosystem of C and C++.
Of course, it's not perfect, but for me it's getting pretty close.