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Build My Own Programming Language

· 2025

From lexer and parser to bytecode VM and standard library.

compilerparservmjavascriptnodejs
Build My Own Programming Language cover

Description

This project is an implementation of a custom programming language, built from the ground up. It includes core components for lexical analysis, parsing, code generation, and execution.

Audience: Language and compiler nerds, developers interested in understanding how programming languages work internally.

Problem Statement

How do languages transform source code into executable programs while balancing performance, simplicity, and safety? Understanding compiler design and VM implementation.

Features / Highlights

  • Lexical analysis (tokenization) with lexer.js
  • Parsing with parser.js to construct Abstract Syntax Tree (AST)
  • Code generation with code_generator.js for executable code
  • Compilation orchestration with compiler.js
  • Code execution with runner.js
  • Main entry point with main.js

Tech Stack

JavaScriptNode.js

Use Cases

  • Learn compiler design and implementation fundamentals
  • Understand how programming languages work internally
  • Build domain-specific languages for specific use cases
  • Educational tool for teaching compiler concepts

Screenshots / Demo

Language REPL
Interactive REPL running in the browser via WASM
Language Syntax
Example code showing language syntax and features
VM Architecture
Bytecode VM execution and debugging interface

Architecture & Workflow

Source code flows through lexer, parser, AST, bytecode compiler, and finally executes on the register-based VM with garbage collection.

High-level architecture diagram

Challenges & Learnings

Learnings

  • Lexical analysis and tokenization techniques
  • Abstract Syntax Tree construction and manipulation
  • Code generation from AST to executable code
  • Compiler design and implementation patterns
  • Runtime execution and interpretation
  • Modular architecture for language components

Quick Q&A

How to Use / Installation

  1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/you/build-my-own-programming-lang
  2. Navigate to project directory: cd build-my-own-programming-lang
  3. Install Node.js if not already installed
  4. Run your program: node main.js

Your Role & Contributions

Solo builder

  • Lexer implementation for tokenization (lexer.js)
  • Parser for AST construction (parser.js)
  • Code generator for executable code (code_generator.js)
  • Compiler orchestration (compiler.js)
  • Runtime execution system (runner.js)
  • Main application entry point (main.js)

Links & Contact