Esoteric programming languages, often called esolangs, are designed primarily for experimentation, humor, or artistic expression rather than practical use. They challenge conventional programming paradigms and often have unique syntax or semantics that make them difficult to understand. Examples include Brainfuck, which uses a minimalistic set of commands, and Whitespace, where only spaces, tabs, and line breaks are significant. These languages are typically created by enthusiasts who enjoy pushing the boundaries of programming. While they may not be suitable for real-world applications, they can provide insights into programming concepts and inspire creativity among developers.