Waddle_Language/README.md

# Waddle Programming Language

## Overview

Waddle is a modern, expressive programming language designed to be intuitive, readable, and powerful. It combines elements of object-oriented and functional programming with a focus on clarity and developer productivity.

## Key Features

### Language Characteristics
- Strong, static typing
- Object-oriented with interface support
- Functional programming constructs
- Explicit error handling
- Concise syntax

### Core Design Principles
- Readability first
- Explicit over implicit
- Minimal cognitive overhead
- Flexible type system

## Basic Syntax

### Type Declaration

#### Basic type definition
```waddle
Animal {
    // Type implementation
}
```
#### Inheritance
```waddle
Animal/Dog {
    // Dog-specific implementations
}
```

#### Interface definition
```waddle
@Mammal {
    // Interface methods
}
```

#### Interface implementation
```waddle
Animal/Dog -> [Mammal, Domesticated] {
    // Multiple interface support
}
```

### Functions

#### Function declaration

##### Public function
```waddle
+fn calculateArea(width: Integer, height: Integer) -> [Decimal] {
    rtn width.multiply(height);
}
```

##### Protected Function
```waddle
fn calculateArea(width: Integer, height: Integer) -> [Decimal] {
    rtn width.multiply(height);
}
```

##### Private Function
```waddle
-fn calculateArea(width: Integer, height: Integer) -> [Decimal] {
    rtn width.multiply(height);
}
```

##### Lambda expression
```waddle
areaCalculator = fn(width: Integer, height: Integer) -> [Decimal] {
    rtn width.multiply(height);
}
```

### Error Handling
```waddle
result = riskyOperation().attempt {
    ok {
        // Successful execution
        my.output.print("Operation successful");
    }
    
    ValueError {
        // Handle specific value errors
        my.logger.log(error.getMessage());
    }
    
    error {
        // Catch-all error handling
        my.criticalLogger.alert("Unexpected error");
    }
}

```

### Iteration

#### Forward iteration
```waddle
loop(i, 0->10) {
    my.output.print(i);
}
```

#### Foward iteration, with step
```waddle
loop(i, 0->10, 2) {
    my.output.print(i); // outputs 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
}
```

#### Reverse iteration
```waddle
rloop(i, 10->0) {
    my.output.print(i);
}
```

#### Reverse iteration, with step
```waddle
rloop(i, 10->0, 2) {
    my.output.print(i); // outputs 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0
}
```

#### Foreach loop on arrays
```waddle
Integer<> nums.set(<1, 2, 3, 4>);

nums.each(
    i -> {
        if(i.mod(2).eq(0)){
            my.output.print(i); // outputs 2, 4
        }
    }
);

```

## Type System

### Primitive Types
 - `String`
 - `Integer`
 - `Decimal`
 - `Boolean`

### Advanced Types
 - Arrays: `Type<>`
 - Custom types
 - Interface types

## Unique Language Constructs

### Dot Notation Methods
 - All objects have built-in methods
 - Chainable method calls
 - Explicit operations

```waddle
my.text.set("Hello")
    .concat(" World")
    .length();
```

### Object Lifecycle
 - Explicit constructors: `on_create`
 - Explicit destructors: `on_destroy`

### Planned Features
 - Enhanced concurrency support
 - Expanded standard library
 - Advanced module system

## Installation
_Detailed installation instructions will be added as the language develops_

## Contribution
Interested in contributing to Waddle?
 - Report issues on this repository
 - Submit pull requests
 - Provide feedback and suggestions

## License
Read the LICENSE.md file

## Current Status
Waddle is currently in active development.
The language specification and implementation are evolving.