Elixir vs. Erlang — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Elixir is a dynamic, functional programming language built on the Erlang VM, offering modern features and syntactic flexibility, while Erlang is designed for concurrent, fault-tolerant systems with a proven track record in telecom applications.
Difference Between Elixir and Erlang
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Elixir is a functional, concurrent language built on the Erlang VM that provides Ruby-like syntax and tools for building scalable applications. Whereas, Erlang is a functional programming language known for its fault tolerance and distributed computing, originally developed for telecom systems.
Elixir incorporates macros, allowing developers to extend the language’s capabilities at compile time. Erlang, on the other hand, lacks this macro feature but maintains simplicity and a clear syntax that aligns with its design goals.
Elixir’s interoperability with Erlang is seamless since both languages compile to BEAM bytecode, enabling developers to leverage Erlang's mature ecosystem. In contrast, Erlang has its own extensive libraries optimized for concurrency and distributed computing.
Elixir has a growing developer community and more modern tooling due to its recent emergence, whereas Erlang has a long-standing, albeit smaller, community focused on high-reliability systems.
Comparison Chart
Platform
Runs on Erlang VM (BEAM)
BEAM virtual machine
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Syntax
Ruby-like, with macros
Functional, unique syntax
Focus
Scalable web apps, general-purpose
Fault-tolerant, concurrent systems
Ecosystem
Uses Erlang ecosystem + own packages
Robust built-in libraries
Community
Growing, modern tooling
Smaller, specialized
Compare with Definitions
Elixir
Functional programming language on BEAM.
Elixir's BEAM compatibility provides access to Erlang libraries.
Erlang
Functional language designed for telecoms.
Telecom companies rely on Erlang for reliable systems.
Elixir
Macros to extend language features.
Developers use Elixir macros to define custom behavior.
Erlang
Runs on BEAM virtual machine.
Erlang’s BEAM virtual machine ensures system robustness.
Elixir
Strong concurrency model for scalable applications.
Elixir processes enable fault-tolerant concurrent systems.
Erlang
Efficient garbage collection for concurrent processes.
Erlang’s garbage collection is optimized for lightweight processes.
Elixir
Frameworks like Phoenix for web apps.
The Phoenix framework simplifies building real-time web apps in Elixir.
Erlang
OTP (Open Telecom Platform) framework for fault tolerance.
The OTP framework enables easy error handling in Erlang.
Elixir
Ruby-like syntax for developer-friendly code.
Elixir’s clean syntax reduces development time.
Erlang
Immutable data for safer concurrent programming.
Erlang's immutable data prevents race conditions in concurrent apps.
Elixir
An elixir is a sweet liquid used for medical purposes, to be taken orally and intended to cure one's illness. When used as a pharmaceutical preparation, an elixir contains at least one active ingredient designed to be taken orally.
Erlang
(communication) A dimensionless statistical measure of the volume of telecommunications traffic relative to the capacity of a single channel.
Elixir
A magical or medicinal potion
An elixir guaranteed to induce love
Erlang
A unit of traffic intensity in a telephone system
Elixir
A particular type of medicinal solution
A cough elixir
Elixir
A sweetened aromatic solution of alcohol and water, serving as a vehicle for medicine.
Elixir
See philosophers' stone.
Elixir
A substance believed to maintain life indefinitely. Also called elixir of life.
Elixir
A substance or medicine believed to have the power to cure all ills.
Elixir
An underlying principle.
Elixir
(alchemy) A liquid which converts lead to gold.
Elixir
(alchemy) A substance or liquid which is believed to cure all ills and give eternal life.
Elixir
(by extension) The alleged cure for all ailments; cure-all, panacea.
Elixir
(pharmacy) A sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste.
Elixir
A tincture with more than one base; a compound tincture or medicine, composed of various substances, held in solution by alcohol in some form.
Elixir
An imaginary liquor capable of transmuting metals into gold; also, one for producing life indefinitely; as, elixir vitæ, or the elixir of life.
Elixir
The refined spirit; the quintessence.
The . . . elixir of worldly delights.
Elixir
Any cordial or substance which invigorates.
The grand elixir, to support the spirits of human nature.
Elixir
A sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste
Elixir
A substance believed to cure all ills
Common Curiosities
What is Elixir used for?
Elixir is used for building scalable web applications, distributed systems, and real-time apps.
Is Elixir backward-compatible with Erlang?
Yes, Elixir is fully compatible with Erlang and can leverage its existing libraries.
Does Elixir have good concurrency support?
Yes, Elixir inherits Erlang’s concurrency model, enabling lightweight process management.
Is Erlang still widely used?
Yes, Erlang remains popular in industries requiring fault-tolerant and distributed computing.
Can Elixir and Erlang applications interoperate?
Yes, Elixir and Erlang applications can interoperate seamlessly due to BEAM compatibility.
Does Erlang have macros like Elixir?
No, Erlang lacks macros but maintains a lightweight, purpose-driven syntax.
Why is Erlang known for fault tolerance?
Erlang was designed with built-in error recovery features, making it reliable for telecom applications.
How does Elixir differ from Erlang?
Elixir provides a more modern syntax and features like macros, while Erlang offers simple syntax and a focus on fault-tolerant systems.
Which frameworks are popular in Elixir?
Phoenix is the most popular web framework in Elixir, offering high performance and real-time features.
What tools exist for managing Erlang projects?
Erlang projects often use Rebar3, a build tool and package manager.
Does Elixir offer OTP-like features?
Yes, Elixir has full support for OTP, enabling advanced fault-tolerant features.
Why might a developer choose Elixir over Erlang?
Developers might choose Elixir for its modern syntax and the ability to write more expressive, maintainable code.
Are Elixir and Erlang functional languages?
Yes, both are functional programming languages prioritizing immutable data.
How does Elixir’s community compare to Erlang's?
Elixir has a newer, rapidly growing community, while Erlang has a smaller, established one.
What kind of applications is Erlang particularly suited for?
Erlang is particularly suited for telecom systems, messaging platforms, and distributed computing.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
