ML, short for Meta Language, is a functional programming language introduced in the 1970s. It is known for its strong, static type system (Hindley-Milner), which enables type inference and helps ensure that well-typed programs don’t cause type errors at runtime. ML’s design has influenced many later languages, especially in the functional programming space.

Standard ML (SML) is one of the most prominent ML dialects. It is a modular, strictly functional language commonly used in academic research, particularly for writing compilers and proof assistants. SML combines functional programming with the ability to express controlled side effects, offering flexibility without sacrificing type and memory safety.

If you’re interested in language design, formal methods or exploring a language that balances theory and practice, ML and dialects like Standard ML are worth diving into.