Developer Voices

Building A Programming Language From Its Core (with Peter Saxton)

Aug 7, 2024

In this discussion with Peter Saxton, an expert in programming languages and abstract syntax trees (AST), listeners discover how the EYG language redefines programming. Peter explains the significance of focusing on ASTs rather than traditional syntax. He delves into balancing functional purity with practicality in EYG's design, explores type systems and row types, and highlights the ease of building interpreters with AST. The conversation also touches on innovative tools like Gleam for rapid prototyping, showcasing the dynamic future of programming languages.

01:01:21

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Episode guests

Peter Saxton

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The abstract syntax tree (AST) is essential for understanding a programming language's capabilities beyond mere syntax, shaping the core design principles of EYG.

EYG's robust type system and effect types transparently manage side effects, promoting reliable code and simplifying debugging for developers.

The language fosters a community-driven ecosystem, encouraging innovation through custom interpreters and DSLs, thus enhancing code sharing and reusability.

Deep dives

Understanding the Essence of Programming Languages

The core essence of a programming language extends beyond its syntax; it is fundamentally shaped by its features, library ecosystem, and community. In discussing this concept, emphasis is placed on the abstract syntax tree (AST) as a crucial element for understanding what a language can truly achieve. The AST represents the fundamental structure of a program once superficial syntax has been removed, highlighting the intrinsic capabilities of the language. This focus on the AST allows deeper exploration into language design and implementation, grounding discussions about programming languages in their true functional characteristics.

Intro

2min

Designing EYG: Balancing Purity and Usability

19min

Exploring Abstract Syntax Trees and Type Systems

8min

Row Types and Their Impact on Programming

20min

Exploring Gleam for Rapid Prototyping and Web Development

2min

Building Interpreters with AST and LSP

8min

Exploring Niche Programming Languages in Industrial Automation

2min

A language’s AST—it’s abstract syntax tree—is nearly always a hidden implementation detail. It’s not treated as part of the language, but merely the intermediate step between parsing and compiling. But this week’s guest aims to flip that relationship on its head...

Peter Saxton joins me to talk about EYG - an AST-first language that defines the fundamental capabilities first, and then stretches out from there to surface syntax and final execution.

The result is something that can teach us a lot about how a typed, functional programming language works; how an extensible effects system works; and could make writing a new programming language as easy as defining the syntax you want, and parsing that into EYG's AST.

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EYG Homepage: https://github.com/crowdhailer/eyg-lang

TinyGo: https://tinygo.org/

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