How Programming Languages are made?

Lets learn about how programming languages are made
Sep 2, 2023 · 2 mins read · Tejas Holla
How Programming Languages are made?

A programming language is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. It is a formal language that is used to create instructions for computers. Programming languages are used to create all kinds of software, from simple scripts to complex operating systems.

For more information about Porgramming language check out -> Explain Programming Languages post.

Now lets discuss about “How Programming Languages are made?”

Steps on how programming languages are made

  • Define the grammar. This is the set of rules that define how the language can be used to create programs. The grammar will specify the syntax of the language, such as the order of words and symbols, and the types of expressions that can be used.
  • Build the front-end compiler. This is a program that translates the source code of the language into an intermediate form, such as bytecode or machine code. The front-end compiler will typically be written in a different language, such as C or C++.
  • Build the back-end code generator. This is a program that takes the intermediate form from the front-end compiler and generates the machine code for the target platform. The back-end code generator will typically be written in the same language as the target platform.
  • Create a standard library. This is a collection of pre-written functions and classes that can be used by programmers. The standard library will typically include functions for things like input/output, string manipulation, and mathematical operations.
  • Document the language. This includes writing a tutorial, reference manual, and API documentation. The documentation should be clear and easy to understand, so that programmers can learn how to use the language.

Example of how these steps are applied to create the Python programming language

  • The grammar of Python is defined in the Python Reference Manual.
  • The front-end compiler for Python is called the Python parser. It is written in C.
  • The back-end code generator for Python is called the Python bytecode compiler. It is also written in C.
  • The standard library for Python is called the Python Standard Library. It is written in Python.
  • The documentation for Python is available online at https://docs.python.org/3/.

For more information about “requirements to create Porgramming language” check out -> Requirements to create Programming Languages post.

Creating your own programming language is a challenging but rewarding experience. It can be a great way to learn more about programming languages and compiler design. If you are interested in creating your own programming language, I encourage you to do your research and start planning your project.


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