I Built My Own Compiled Programming Language. Here’s What I Learned.

Description and use

YLang is an open‑source compiled language built to explore language design and compiler construction. Implemented in C17 and targeting GCC/Clang, it offers features like structs, enums, multi‑file support, SDL2 GUI, HTTP, and experimental ownership. Lessons learned emphasize correctness, memory safety, testing, architecture, and documentation.

Problem

Understanding what it takes to build a real compiler and a usable programming language.

Outcome

YLang demonstrates that building a compiler is more complex than syntax design; key lessons include the importance of correctness, memory safety, testing, architecture, and documentation.

Workflow

• Define language goals (readable syntax, static typing, native output, diagnostics, desktop foundation).
• Design lexer, parser, AST, semantic analysis, C codegen, and native backend pipeline.
• Implement compiler in C17 following pipeline: source → lexer → parser → AST → semantic analysis → C codegen → GCC/Clang → executable.
• Add features (structs, enums, multiple files, NASM backend, SDL2 GUI, HTTP, debugging).
• Address memory ownership with experimental owned/borrowed types.
• Plan 3.0 architecture: introduce typed IR, separate backends, add optimizations and verification.
• Iterate and document limitations.
• Release stable 2.2.0 and continue development on 3.0 branch.

Evidence

YLang's compiler is written in C17.

Source

Its established compilation pipeline looks like this: YLang source (.yl) | v Lexer | v Parser | v AST | v Semantic Analysis | v C Codegen | v GCC / Clang | v Native executable

Source

YLang 2.2.0 is the latest stable release.

Source