I'm not a programming expert, but I have this idea I want to pursue: I want to create my own programming language to make coding easier for myself and others. I'm currently using Luau in Roblox Studio, and I'd like my language to be somewhat similar. However, I'm unsure where to start. Any advice on how to turn this idea into reality? Also, apologies for my English—I'm Hungarian!
5 Answers
Before jumping in, make sure you understand the basics of how computers work. You have to choose between creating a compiled or interpreted language but starting with an interpreter might be simpler. Whether you're building a compiler or interpreter, you'll need to translate your language's syntax into assembly instructions. TL;DR: You need to really solidify your programming skills before you tackle this project!
Honestly, this isn’t something you can just jump into without some significant knowledge. If you don’t already have a strong grasp of programming, it’s going to be a steep hill to climb. Creating a programming language is complex and requires a deep understanding of how existing languages work, so it’s wise to get more experience first.
Start by honing your programming skills, as this project will require a deeper understanding than you might have right now. You’re right to focus on making programming easier, but if you find Lua hard to grasp, you need to be more proficient before trying to build your simplified version. Also, consider exploring Domain Specific Languages (DSLs); these can help you develop specific functionalities that could simplify your coding without starting from scratch. It’s a great way to begin your journey!
Check out the 'Dragon Book'! It’s the go-to textbook about compiler design that you’ll find super helpful. Also, diving into the history of popular languages like Perl and Python can give you great insights into what works and why.
Jumping into building your own programming language might be trickier than you think! First off, figure out whether you want a compiled or interpreted language. Many find compiled languages easier to implement. You'll need to familiarize yourself with how compilers work; it's not just translating code but involves several steps that convert human-readable instructions to machine language. Start small—perhaps with a basic instruction set and variable declarations. Even if your first attempts are messy, running code means you’re on the right path!

Thanks for the suggestion! I like the idea of DSLs—I'll definitely look into that!