There is a very distinct zeitgeist uniting these languages, which can be described as a "Great Correction" of the C and C++ legacy.
While they vary in syntax (from Nim's Python-like look to Zig's C-like feel), they are all reacting to the same set of frustrations with the way software has been built for the last 40 years.
1. The "C-Replacement" Impulse
Almost every language on your list is an explicit attempt to replace C or C++ in the "metal" (the lowest level of the software stack). The pattern is a desire for modern tooling (package managers, build systems) without sacrificing low-level control. They all reject the "heavy" runtime approach of languages like Java or Go (which use Garbage Collection) in favor of predictable performance and a small memory footprint.
2. A Divergence in "Safety" Philosophy
The zeitgeist split into two distinct schools of thought regarding the "C problem":
The Formalists: This group believes the problem is the language's lack of strict rules. Rust solves this with a complex "borrow checker" to prove memory safety at compile time. Carbon aims to bring a similar level of modernization and safety to C++ while maintaining compatibility.
The Minimalists: This group believes the problem is that C++ became too bloated and complex. They don't want a complex compiler to "prove" safety; instead, they want a language that is so simple and transparent that the programmer can clearly see what the machine is doing. They replace "safety by proof" with "safety by clarity."
3. Data-Oriented Design (DOD)
There is a strong shift away from traditional Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Odin and Zig, in particular, embrace Data-Oriented Design. Rather than thinking about "Objects" (which often leads to fragmented memory and slow performance), these languages encourage thinking about "Arrays of Data." This is a direct response to modern ..
so, basically a dead langs branch
