LANGUAGE-DESIGN EXPERIMENT

OnceUponATime (.ouat)

An experimental narrative syntax compiled to a small C++ subset. The project explores language design, parsing and the relationship between textual structure and executable logic.

View source on GitHub

Type: Personal language-design experiment
Role: Language design and compiler implementation
Implementation: C++17 lexer, parser, AST and code generator
Output: Readable C++ for a deliberately limited grammar

What the experiment explores

I wanted to test whether story-like sentences could map to a predictable executable structure. The useful part of the project is not a claim that prose should replace conventional code; it is the exercise of defining a grammar, resolving ambiguity and making the translation visible.

Implemented

Tokenization for the documented .ouat vocabulary
A recursive-descent parser for selected narrative constructs
An abstract syntax tree with explicit ownership
C++17 generation for variables, conditions, loops and functions
Selected records and basic image-output statements
Unit and integration tests for lexer, parser, AST and code generation

Small syntax example

The prologue and epilogue delimit the script; the body maps a limited set of narrative phrases to explicit control flow.

Once upon a time.

The dragon is awake.

If the dragon is awake then
    display "The dragon roars".
else
    display "The attic is quiet".
endif.

The story ends.

Current boundaries

Language scope: The implementation covers a small documented grammar. It is not presented as a general-purpose programming language.
Parsing: The parser handles supported examples, but structured recovery from malformed input is not implemented.
Generated code: The C++ output is useful for inspecting the translation. No performance or optimization claim is made.
Tooling: There is no dedicated editor, debugger, profiler or production toolchain around the language.

Read the language notes → Inspect the tests →

What I learned

I learned that natural-looking syntax still needs strict rules to remain predictable. Readable generated C++ made the translation easier to inspect and debug. Small examples exposed grammar limitations faster than expanding the language too early.

Credits and confidentiality

Production: Personal experimental project
Exact role: Language design, lexer, parser, AST, code generation and tests
Work by others: The C++ compiler, Visual Studio toolchain and test dependencies are third-party technologies.
Confidentiality: No NDA. The implementation is public on GitHub.