Are there any programming paradigms not based around manipulating variables and functions? [closed]

Question

Virtually every language I know of is basically a variation on a theme: you create variables and functions, then manipulate them using conditionals and other constructs. I understand Functional Programming and the like are somewhat different from 'traditional' languages, but underneath they are almost the same. You are still working with variables (somewhat, even though they are immutable and such), and creating functions.

Is there any language or system that completely does away with what we tend to use now and has a completely different approach?

Answer 1

Despite your high-handed dismissal of Functional Programming, I think you need to look at it again only this time reading for comprehension and learning instead of using confirmation bias to dismiss it as "more of the same". Writing code in a functional style is profoundly different than writing code in an imperative style. If it isn't different enough for you, however, why not take a look at any of these?:

• Logic programming as typified by languages like Prolog and (IIRC) Mercury.
• Concatenative languages like Forth are pretty trippy.
• Function-level programming (as opposed to functional!) get rid of variables if that's what offends you about computation. J is pretty much your only choice in this realm these days.
• Array programming is pretty closely related to the above. Take a look at APL for the classic example of this (although J and K both have elements of this built in).

Basically, just look at any of the dozens of programming paradigms available and read the descriptions for comprehension and enlightenment instead of dismissal through confirmation bias. Learn one language for each that appears sufficiently different for the vague definition of "different" you're using and have fun.