Design principles in programming languages and their impact on software quality

This study analyzes the fundamental principles that guide the design of modern programming languages, highlighting their impact on software quality. Based on a qualitative approach and a documentary analysis of scientific literature, three essential pillars were identified: correctness, maintainability, and performance. The results show that correctness is the primary objective, as it enables the development of programs that fulfill their intended purpose while minimizing errors from early stages through mechanisms such as strict type systems, compile-time validation, and clear abstractions. Regarding maintainability, it was found that principles such as modularity, low coupling, high cohesion, encapsulation, and separation of concerns facilitate the understanding, modification, and evolution of software, especially in dynamic development environments. On the other hand, performance, although secondary to the previous aspects, remains essential, as it ensures efficient program execution through techniques such as optimized compilation and predictable execution models. Furthermore, a direct relationship among these three principles was identified, showing that correctness enhances maintainability, which in turn contributes to improved performance. The analysis of the Wybe programming language served as an example of how these principles can be integrated into a concrete design proposal. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that a balanced approach among correctness, maintainability, and performance is key to developing reliable, adaptable, and efficient software.