LASH PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE DOCUMENTATION
Introduction
Lash is a simple, object-oriented programming language inspired by Python, C++, and Java. It is designed for readability and ease of use while maintaining powerful object-oriented features. Lash eliminates the need for "self" when accessing attributes and methods within a class, making it similar to C++ and Java.
- Basic Syntax
Lash uses a simple and clean syntax where variable declarations do not require var or =. The type is inferred automatically.
1.1 Variable
No need for = or var Type is inferred automatically. Strings are enclosed in double quotes " ". Numbers, floats, and booleans do not require special declaration.
1.2 Type Casting
to_num converts to an integer. to_str converts to a string. to_float converts to a float.
1.3 Comments
1.3.1 Single-Line Comments (#)
1.3.2 Multi-Line Comments (##....##)
- Input & Output
2.1 Displaying Output
2.2 Taking User Input
Default values can be provided: city ask "Enter city:" "New York" Multipe values: x, y ask "Enter two numbers; "
2.2.1 HOW ask WORKS IN LASH ?
The "ask" function in Lash is used to take user input in a simple and intuitive way. It works similarly to "input()" in other languages but has additional features like default values and multiple inputs.
2.2.2 HOW ask RETURNS VALUES ?
By default, ask returns a string. If you want a number, you need to convert it using to_num.
2.2.3 DEFAULT VALUES IN ask
If the user presses Enter without typing anything, ask can return a default value.
Example Input & Output
If the user enters "Los Angeles", the output will be:
2.2.4 Multiple Inputs in One Line
Lash allows you to space-separate multiple inputs in a single ask.
Example Input & Output
The user enters 5 10, and ask splits the input into x and y. They are converted to numbers using to_num.
- Operators
3.1 Airthmetic Operators
- , - , * , / , % , **
3.2 Comaprison Operators
= , != , > , < , >= , <=
Example
3.3 Logical Operators
and , or , not
Example
3.4 Assignment Operators
- Control Flow
4.1 If-Else Statements
4.2 If-Elseif-Else Statements
4.3 Loops
Repeat (for loop)
Loop (while loop)
4.4 Breaking and Continuing Loops
4.4.1 Stop (Break) - Exit the loop early
4.4.2 Skip (Continue) - Skip current itreation
- Functions
Lash should have a simple and clean function syntax. No need for def or complex syntax—just use a keyword like fn
5.1 Definig & Calling Functions
5.2 Returning Values
5.3 Function with/without parameters
a.Functions without parameters
b.Functions with parameters
5.4 Functions with Return Value
5.5 Default Parameter Values
5.6 Recursive Function
- Arrays, Sets, Dictionary Functions
Lash arrays should be simple and easy to manipulate. Here’s how arrays work in Lash, along with useful built-in functions.
6.1 Creating and Accessing Arrays
6.2 Modifying Arrays
6.3 Array Operations
Adding Elements
Removing Elements
Checking Array Length
Searching
Sorting
By default, sort() sorts numbers in ascending order.
Sorting in descending order:
Reversing Array
Finding Index of an Element
Counting Occurrences of an Element
Joining Arrays
Slicing Array
6.4 Multi-Dimensional Arrays (Matrices)
Lash should support multi-dimensional arrays for matrices and sets for unique values.
A multi-dimensional array is just an array of arrays.
6.4.1 Multi-Dimensional Arrays(Matrices) Operations
Looping Through a Multi-Dimensional Array
Getting the Number of Rows & Columns
Transposing
6.5 Sets (Unique Values)
A set is a collection of unique elements.
6.5.1 Set Operations
Adding Elements
Removing Elements
Checking Membership
Set Union (Combine Two Sets)
Set Intersection (Common Elements)
Set Difference (Elements in A but Not in B)
6.6 Dictionary (Key-Value Pairs)
6.7 Tuples
- Strings and its Functions
Strings can be defined as variables are created.
7.1 String Functions
Finding length of a string
Changing Case
Checking if a string contains another string
Replacing parts of a string
Splitting a string into a list
Joining a list into string
Trimming Whitespace
Getting a Substring
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Lash should have a simple and readable way to define and use classes and objects, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
8.1 Defining a Class
Lash uses class to define a class and fn for methods.
No self! Directly access name and age inside the class.
8.2 Crating Objects
Objects are created like in C++/Java, without new.
8.3 Modifying Attributes
Direct access, just like in Java/C++.
8.4 Class Methods (Static Methods Like Java)
Class methods work like static methods in Java.
8.5 Private Attributes & Methods
Prefix with _ to make attributes/methods private (like C++ private).
_balance can’t be accessed directly outside the class.
8.5 Inheritance
No need for super – attributes are inherited directly.
8.6 Encapsulation
8.7 Polymorphism
- Error Handling
9.1 Try-Catch Mechanism
Conclusion
Lash is designed to be easy to learn while supporting powerful OOP features like Java and C++. It simplifies syntax while keeping familiar programming paradigms. Happy coding in Lash!