Getting Started with DynLex

DynLex lets you write code in clear words. You write your program in a .dl file, build it, and then run it.

This page shows the smallest steps first. It uses the same words you will see in the rest of the documentation, such as pattern, parameter, and section.

Step 1

Write your first DynLex file

Make a file named hello.dl. Start by importing the standard library:

import lib/std.dl

print "Hello, world!" as line

The line print "Hello, world!" as line matches a pattern from the standard library.

Try yourself

Change the text and run the file again. Try your name, a question, or a full sentence.

Step 2

Build and run your file

Build the file into a program and run it:

dynlex hello.dl -o hello
./hello

If you are on Windows, your output file may be named hello.exe.

Step 3

Store values in variables

A variable lets you keep a value and use it again later:

import lib/std.dl

set apples to 3
set oranges to 2
set total to apples + oranges

print total as line

Here, set ... to ... and ... + ... are both standard DynLex patterns.

Try yourself

Change the numbers. Then add one more line that prints total + 10.

Step 4

Write your first function

A function gives a name to a piece of behavior. The words on the first line are its pattern.

import lib/std.dl

function square value:
    execute:
        return value * value

print square 5 as line

In this example, value is a parameter. When you write square 5, the number 5 is the argument.

DynLex also detects plain-word parameters by usage: if a plain word from a function pattern is used in the body, that word is treated as a parameter.

The execute: line opens a section. The code inside that section is indented one level deeper.

Try yourself

Change square into double. Then make it return value + value.

Step 5

Use a loop

A loop lets you repeat a block of code. The loop body is another section.

import lib/std.dl

set count to 1

loop while count <= 3:
    print count as line
    increment count

This prints the numbers 1, 2, and 3. The line under loop while runs again and again until the condition becomes false.

Try yourself

Change 3 to 5. Then change the start value from 1 to 2.

Step 6

Stay with the standard library at first

You may notice @intrinsic(...) in some library code. That is an intrinsic.

For normal DynLex programs, use standard library patterns first. They read better, and they are the usual way to write DynLex code.

What to read after this

If a word feels unclear, open the terms page.

After that, the next useful step is to read more examples and build small functions of your own.