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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What file extension do DevLang programs use?

DevLang source code files use the .dev extension.

How do I run a DevLang program?

After installing DevLang, run:

node devlang.js -f your_program.dev

You can also execute inline code with the -e option:

node devlang.js -e "bolo 'Hello World'"

For more installation options, see the Installation Guide.

What are the Hindi keywords used in DevLang?

DevLang uses Hindi-inspired keywords to make programming more accessible:

  • bolo — Print output (like print or console.log)
  • agar — If condition
  • nhi_toh — Else condition
  • jabtak — While loop
  • puchoo — Take input (planned feature)

See the Keywords Reference for a complete list.

What data types does DevLang support?

Currently, DevLang supports:

  • Numbers (integers and decimals)
  • Strings (text enclosed in quotes)
  • Variables (dynamically typed)

Additional data types like arrays and objects are planned for future releases.

Are functions supported in DevLang?

Not yet. DevLang currently focuses on basic programming constructs like variables, conditionals, and loops. User-defined functions are a planned feature for future versions.

How does DevLang handle errors?

DevLang provides error messages for:

  • Syntax errors — When code doesn't follow the language syntax
  • Runtime errors — When errors occur during execution
  • Semantic errors — When code is syntactically correct but logically invalid

Error handling is continuously being improved to provide better debugging information.

Can I use DevLang for real projects?

DevLang is currently an educational and experimental language. It's perfect for:

  • Learning programming concepts
  • Teaching coding to Hindi speakers
  • Exploring language design
  • Experimenting with localized programming

It's not recommended for production use at this stage.

What Node.js version does DevLang require?

DevLang requires Node.js version 12.0.0 or higher. It's recommended to use the latest LTS version for best compatibility.

Can I add new keywords to DevLang?

Absolutely! DevLang is open source and designed to be extensible. To add new keywords:

  1. Define the token type in tokenTypes.js
  2. Update the tokenizer in tokenizer.js
  3. Modify the parser in parser.js
  4. Update the interpreter in interpreter.js
  5. Add documentation and examples

See the Contributing Guide for detailed instructions.

How does DevLang compare to other programming languages?

DevLang is unique because:

  • Language Inclusivity — Uses Hindi keywords instead of English
  • Educational Focus — Designed for learning, not production
  • Simplicity — Minimal syntax and easy to understand
  • Open Source — Completely free and customizable
  • JavaScript-based — Runs on Node.js without additional dependencies

Can I contribute to DevLang?

Yes! Contributions are welcome from users of all experience levels. You can:

  • Add new features or keywords
  • Improve the interpreter, parser, or tokenizer
  • Enhance documentation
  • Fix bugs
  • Create example programs
  • Suggest improvements

See the Contributing Guide for details on submitting pull requests and reporting issues.

Where can I find more documentation?

Full documentation and usage examples are available at:

Is DevLang inspired by other projects?

Yes! DevLang is conceptually inspired by projects like Doglang and other educational programming languages, but it's independently implemented with its own unique focus on Hindi-based programming and language accessibility.

Who created DevLang?

DevLang is an open-source project created to promote inclusive programming by making code more accessible to Hindi speakers and demonstrating that programming languages can embrace linguistic diversity.

How can I report bugs or request features?

If you find bugs or have feature suggestions:

  1. Check the GitHub Issues to see if it's already reported
  2. If not, open a new issue with:
  3. Clear description of the bug or feature
  4. Steps to reproduce (for bugs)
  5. Expected behavior
  6. Your environment details

Can I use DevLang to teach programming?

Absolutely! DevLang is perfect for educational settings, especially:

  • Teaching programming to Hindi-speaking students
  • Introducing coding concepts without English language barriers
  • Computer science classes in schools and colleges
  • Self-learners exploring programming
  • Workshops on language design and interpreters

What's the future roadmap for DevLang?

Planned features include:

  • User-defined functions
  • Arrays and data structures
  • More operators and built-in functions
  • Better error messages
  • Standard library
  • REPL (interactive mode)
  • More Hindi keywords
  • Input/output operations

If you have other questions, feel free to open an issue on the GitHub repository or contribute to the documentation!