But it is the software that gives the orders, acting on the outside world and on machines that exist only as functions of software and evolve so that they can work out ever more complex programs.
- Italo Calvino, Six Memos for the Next Millennium (1988) , "Lightness" English translation: Patrick Creagh (1996).
The language fleuve (river in French) might be a programming language, but fleuve has not yet decided if it wanted to be one. It is a language that is a bit like a personal diary, a bit like a secret language, and maybe none of this.
fleuve might be interpretable (sometimes) but only rarely compiles to anything.
fleuve is elsewhere.
fleuve does not take itself seriously, except on Saturday at 6h30am precisely, if trees are blossoming. then, and only then, does fleuve dresses up nicely to go take a walk outside - and starts over its own rules, its own game.
when fleuve takes itself seriously, it says that we must free programming from the materiality of computers. yes, it is what it says.
rules are written as they happen.
sometimes, they are rewritten, in parts or completely.
fleuve is retro-compatible: a new word introduced in the grammar will always be paired with something, and will always have the same signature - but its behaviour might be erratic.
let's start writing fleuve. for now, it will be in Python.
the rules, written in Python, of fleuve, can be found in fleuve_interprete.py.
the rules, written in French, of fleuve, can be found in fleuve_rules.md.
the essay that comes with fleuve is in essai_accompagnateur.md: this is a more thorough explanation of the project, with references and resources. it's a bit messy but you will find your way.
please send me an email if you find this project... poetic: [email protected]