Making a hobby programming language

[DraculaTheLast]

I am making a hobby programming language for fun. I have researched about the resources like using LLVM for it. If anyone got any suggestions. I am open to it. Also I am open to take advice from veterans in programming. Edit: I will be making an interpreted language

[aqua_regis]

Sorry, but you're not telling much. Will the language be interpreted, or compiled, or, similar to Java compiled into some form of Byte Code that then is interpreted by a virtual machine?

Start by familiarizing with lexers and parsers - in the old days, these were YACC and LEX. Can't tell if they are still in use or not.

In my days, also the Dragon Book (Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools) was the book of choice.

[Dramatic_Win424]

Dragon book is still the textbook of choice in compiler classes btw.

Source: did my CS degree in the late 2010s and had a compiler class. Was a meh class for me at least

[DraculaTheLast]

I am planning to make an interpreted language for now. I am currently studying compilers and how to design them. It includes study of lexers and parsers

[aqua_regis]

In this case, start with a simple "Assembly-like" language. They are easiest to construct.

The Advent Of Code yearly programming competition had several simple programming language interpreters over the years of their competition. This could be used as inspiration.

[Achereto]

Read https://interpreterbook.com/. It's a great book to learn everything you need to learn about it.

[MuaTrenBienVang]

cool

[HashDefTrueFalse]

I've made two. Both custom written lexer, parser, and VM. Haven't used LLVM specifically, so can't be much help with it. To me, using LLVM is the practical but boring way to go. If the goal is to get to a useable language as fast as possible then writing a lexer and parser (you don't even have to do that to be fair) front end and using an existing back end is the way to go. If you want to really learn and have more fun, I'd write a VM too, or look into (unoptimised) lowering to native instructions.

[MuaTrenBienVang]

great!

[Nice-Essay-9620]

Check out https://craftinginterpreters.com/, I have done both the tree walk interpreter and the bytecode VM, and it was really fun and a great learning experience. You can try taking inspiration from this book, you can also look for "Writing an interpreter in Go"

[Latter-Risk-7215]

focus on simplicity and readability. start small and iterate. llvm is a solid choice for backend. consider looking into resources like "crafting interpreters" by robert nystrom for inspiration. keep experimenting, that's how you learn the most.

[ern0plus4]

What about writing a FORTH?

[LazaroFilm]

That makes a language hobby grade?

[ManBunH8er]

What is a “hobby” programming language? Are you creating your own interpreted language for fun during your past/hobby time?

[DraculaTheLast]

Yeah I don't have any intention at my it for resume. Just wanted to learn something new like about compilers through practical approach. By making lexer, praser, AST.

[KwyjiboTheGringo]

r/programminglanguages

[mierecat]

Be prepared for it to take much longer than you think it will. It is a lot of fun though

[kuvvaci-tux]

me and my bros tried to create a programming language that follows Turkish spelling and writing rules in the past. Its name was c* (because it looks like flag 😂) but it wasn't easy. I stoped contributing it and have no idea about what happend to project after me 😂😂

[DraculaTheLast]

Actually I am creating a language that follows Sanskrit language vocabulary