Hey everyone! I've been toying with the idea of creating my own programming language for a while now, and I'm looking for some honest opinions before I dive in too deep. I really enjoy using C++ because it gives me great performance and control. However, I often find the language to be quite tiring due to its boilerplate, lengthy syntax, and the constant mental strain, even for small tasks. I'm not against C++; I just feel slower and more drained when coding in it. With that said, I'm considering designing a compiled language that retains the low-level feel and performance of C++, but is aimed at being easier to write, less verbose, and has a cleaner syntax. My main motivation is to learn and explore, not necessarily to replace C++. Before I commit time to this project, I wanted to ask: Is this a valid reason to start a new language? What common mistakes should I be aware of at this stage? Are there existing languages I should study first? Any advice or reality checks would be super appreciated. Thanks for reading!
5 Answers
Before you start, I recommend reading up on compiler design. It can really prepare you for the challenges ahead! Also, think about what specific features you want to improve upon compared to existing languages; this clarity will help guide your design.
It sounds like a huge task, but if you think you’ll enjoy it and learn a lot, then go for it! Just keep in mind that many people jump into this without fully considering the long-term commitment. Definitely take a look at Dlang or Rust—they’re both worth studying as you explore your options.
Creating a language just to learn and have fun is definitely a valid reason. It might not ever replace C++, but you can definitely gain a lot of knowledge from the experience. If you’re looking for alternatives, Go might be a great choice since it simplifies a lot of the struggles of C/C++ without being too far off from their capabilities.
Honestly, if your goal is learning, there doesn't have to be a huge reason to start your own language. Just dive in! But make sure to research what others have done and why. Exploring languages like Zig or Odin could also be beneficial to get insights into modern language design.
Creating your own language can indeed be super rewarding! Just remember, lots of effort goes into it, and you might not gain a vast user base. If performance is your main goal, partner with something like LLVM for optimization, and check out the 'Dragon Book' for a solid foundation on compiler principles!
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