i don't know how to build a programming language
- Reading and Tutorials:
- "Crafting Interpreters" by Bob Nystrom (start with the basics).
- "Writing An Interpreter In Go" by Thorsten Ball (concepts applicable in C++).
- Hands-On:
- Build a simple REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) for basic arithmetic expressions.
- Lexer Implementation:
- Tokenize simple source code into basic tokens (identifiers, numbers, operators).
- AST and Parsing:
- Build a basic parser to convert tokens into an AST.
- Parsing Techniques:
- Study recursive descent and other parsing techniques.
- Enhance your parser to handle more complex expressions and statements.
- Semantic Analysis:
- Implement a symbol table to track variable declarations and scopes.
- Add semantic checks to your parser to validate code correctness.
- Memory Management:
- Study different memory management techniques.
- Implement a simple mark-and-sweep garbage collector in a prototype.
- Interpreter Optimizations:
- Learn about optimizations like constant folding, inlining, and dead code elimination.
- Implement a simple VM or bytecode interpreter and optimize it.
- Design Finalization:
- Finalize syntax and feature set.
- Set up project structure and repository.
- Lexer and Parser Implementation:
- Write lexer and parser for your language.
- Implement AST and basic semantic checks.
- Parser and Interpreter:
- Implement the AST and semantic analysis.
- Start working on the interpreter.
- Runtime and Testing:
- Implement basic runtime environment and standard library functions.
- Begin testing and refining the interpreter.
- Advanced Features:
- Implement functions, loops, and conditionals.
- Add error handling and debugging support.
- Optimization:
- Focus on performance optimizations.
- Add more standard library functions and utilities.
- Testing and Documentation:
- Conduct thorough testing and debugging.
- Prepare documentation and tutorials for your language.
- Engage with the community for feedback and initial user testing.