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How To Start A Programming Language

Starting a programming language requires choosing an existing language to build it in, determining the purpose and intended use, and designing the syntax and structure. Key steps include creating a lexer and parser, defining semantics, writing a compiler or interpreter, thorough testing, and developing a specification and community to support ongoing development. Building a new programming language is a major undertaking.

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Jose Rafael Ripoll Parejo
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32 views

How To Start A Programming Language

Starting a programming language requires choosing an existing language to build it in, determining the purpose and intended use, and designing the syntax and structure. Key steps include creating a lexer and parser, defining semantics, writing a compiler or interpreter, thorough testing, and developing a specification and community to support ongoing development. Building a new programming language is a major undertaking.

Uploaded by

Jose Rafael Ripoll Parejo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to start a programming language?

Starting a programming language can be a complex and time-consuming task. Here are some
general steps to help you get started:

Choose a programming language to create your language: You will need to choose a
programming language to write your new language in. Most new programming languages are
written in either C or C++.

Define the purpose of your programming language: You need to determine what your
programming language will be used for. Will it be a general-purpose language, or will it be
designed for a specific task or problem domain?

Design the syntax of your programming language: The syntax is the set of rules that govern how
programs written in your language will be structured. You need to decide how variables will be
declared, how statements will be structured, and how control structures (like loops and
conditionals) will work.

Create a lexer and parser: A lexer takes the source code of a program and breaks it down into
individual tokens. A parser then takes those tokens and creates a syntax tree that represents the
structure of the program.

Define the semantics of your programming language: The semantics are the rules that
determine how the program will behave when it is run. This includes things like how variables
are assigned and how functions are called.

Write a compiler or interpreter: You will need to create a program that can take the source code
of programs written in your language and translate it into machine code that can be executed
on a computer. This can be done either through compilation or interpretation.

Test your programming language: You will need to test your language thoroughly to ensure that
it works as intended and is free from bugs and errors.

Starting a programming language can be a challenging undertaking, and it requires a significant


amount of time and effort. It is recommended that you have a strong understanding of
programming concepts and experience with programming languages before attempting to
create your own language.

Research existing programming languages: Before starting a new programming language, it is


important to research existing programming languages to identify their strengths and
weaknesses. This will help you to design a language that is unique and fills a gap in the market.
Identify your target audience: Consider who your programming language is intended for. Is it for
hobbyists or professional developers? Will it be used for a specific industry or application?
Understanding your target audience will help you to design a language that meets their needs.

Create a language specification: A language specification is a document that describes the


syntax and semantics of your programming language. This document is important for anyone
who wants to use or contribute to your language.

Build a community: Building a community of developers and users around your programming
language is critical for its success. This can be done through social media, forums, and open-
source contributions.

Consider compatibility: If your programming language is intended to be used alongside other


languages, you should consider compatibility with those languages. This may involve creating
libraries or other tools that allow developers to use your language in conjunction with others.

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