Scheme is one of the most influential languages in functional programming. Created in the 1970s by Guy L. Steele and Gerald Jay Sussman, it quickly became known for its simple, elegant design. With a minimal core language and powerful tools like macros and first-class functions, Scheme is a programmer’s multipurpose tool for building solutions from the ground up.

One of Scheme’s distinctive features is its support for tail-call optimization and first-class continuations, which makes it a favorite for those who think in recursion and control flow. Its small standard core has also led to many different implementations - from fast compilers like Chez Scheme to embedded interpreters like BiwaScheme for JavaScript.

Scheme is often used in teaching, notably in classics like "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs" (SICP). But it’s not just for academics - its powerful abstractions and clean syntax make it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to explore deeper ideas in programming.