Charles Hoskinson, founder of the Cardano blockchain platform, has disclosed efforts to create a new programming language designed specifically for Cardano. He aims to integrate advanced cryptographic features that could elevate the blockchain’s technical capabilities.
Focus on advanced cryptography
Hoskinson explained that the forthcoming language will support both “intents” and “proof-carrying data” (PCD) by utilizing Groth16 proofs. These enhancements aim to make Cardano more adaptable for complex blockchain applications and further solidify its security and privacy standards.
Groth16 is a succinct non-interactive zero-knowledge proof system commonly used in privacy-focused blockchains. Its implementation allows users to prove possession of certain information without revealing it. Most notably, this technology underpins privacy features in networks like Zcash.
He shared the update in response to a community question seeking to understand Cardano’s unique advantages as a decentralized blockchain suitable for various use cases.
Despite his announcement, Hoskinson did not specify the new language’s name, technical specifications, or when it might become available to developers.
In a separate statement, Hoskinson described a different concept he is pursuing, stating, “I’m working on a concept that only Midnight can bring to the cryptocurrency space to solve most of the problems. It’s gonna be the magnum opus for my career.”
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the planned programming language and the Midnight project are directly connected.
Mini dictionary: Proof-carrying data (PCD), in cryptography, is a technique where cryptographic proofs can be transferred along with data, allowing subsequent parties to verify facts about the data’s origin or transformations without trusting intermediaries.
Hoskinson’s history with programming languages
Charles Hoskinson has frequently shared his opinions about the merits of various programming languages. Cardano was initially architected using Haskell, a functional programming language, due to its mathematical rigor and suitability for highly reliable code.
In June 2022, Hoskinson joined a discussion between Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey regarding programming language preferences. After Musk expressed favor toward the C programming language over C++, Hoskinson suggested they explore Haskell as an alternative.
However, Hoskinson has since stated that his decision to use Haskell for Cardano’s development was not an entirely certain choice. In May 2024, he mentioned that he considered using Clojure at one point but ultimately selected Haskell due in part to the availability of Cloud Haskell and accompanying technologies like Liquid Haskell and Agda.
During an interview in April 2025, Hoskinson remarked that, given another opportunity to start Cardano’s development from scratch, he might choose a different programming language.
“I’m actually personally developing a programming language for Cardano. It’s the first of its kind enabling intents and PCD via Groth16 proofs,” Hoskinson stated.
He noted that he is working on a concept unique to Midnight which he believes could address the majority of cryptocurrency challenges, calling it the magnum opus of his career.
