Online commentators are buzzing about Tiki, a simple programming language with an integrated browser-based IDE that seems to target an often-overlooked demographic: people who haven't yet found their way into coding.

The language has sparked a nuanced debate about its target audience. While some initially questioned whether it's truly suitable for children, others see it as a promising intermediate step between visual programming tools like Scratch and more complex languages like Python. Mike Ivanov, one of the online discussants, highlighted an important point: not all "kids" are the same, and the 10-15 age group might find this particularly appealing.

What sets Tiki apart is its apparent simplicity and graphics-friendly approach. Commentators like chrisbrandow praised its clean design - a simple canvas, separate console output, and an intuitive editor that doesn't overwhelm beginners. It echoes older educational programming environments like Logo, which introduced generations of young learners to computational thinking.

The language seems to address a broader issue: making programming accessible to those who haven't yet seen its relevance. James_K noted that many people haven't programmed simply because it hasn't been relevant to their lives - and Tiki could be a low-stakes entry point for such individuals.

Interestingly, the project appears more like a passionate side project than a corporate-backed initiative. As one commentator suggested, it might be scratching a personal itch - simplifying JavaScript by removing brackets and parentheses, making code feel less intimidating to newcomers.