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EasyLang CLI — Usage Guide

The EasyLang CLI (el) provides multiple tools to help you write, run, debug, and explore EasyLang programs.

This guide covers everyday usage, including:

  • Running files
  • Starting the REPL
  • Viewing tokens
  • Viewing the AST
  • Checking the version
  • Viewing interpreter information

All behavior is based on the implementation inside el.py.

Running an EasyLang File

To run a .elang program:

el program.elang

If the program has errors, the interpreter will show a friendly syntax or runtime error.

Starting the REPL (Interactive Shell)

Use: 

el --repl

You will see: 

EasyLang 0.1.x REPL
Type 'exit' or 'quit' to leave
>>>

Features:

  • Live execution of expressions and statements
  • Persistent interpreter state
  • Supports multiline input via brackets [ ]
  • Type exit or quit to leave

Example: 

>>> we let x = 10
>>> so print x plus 5
15

Printing Tokens

To see how the lexer tokenizes your program: 

el --tokens file.elang

This prints each token in order: 

Token(WELET, 'we let')
Token(IDENT, 'x')
Token(EQUAL, '=')
Token(NUMBER, 10)
...

Useful for debugging the lexer.

Printing the AST

To print the abstract syntax tree: 

el --ast file.elang

This shows how the parser interpreted the structure of the code.

Example output: 

Program([
  Assignment(x, Number(10)),
  Print(Identifier(x))
])

Great for parser debugging or language contributor work.

Linting (Coming Soon)

The CLI includes a placeholder command: 

el --lint file.elang

Currently prints: 

Linting is not implemented yet.

Viewing the

el --version

Output: 

EasyLang version 0.1.x by GreenBugX(0xNA)

About Information

el --about

Prints:

  • Description
  • Version
  • Author
  • Contact
  • License

Example: 

=== EasyLang ===
EasyLang is a compact educational scripting language...
Version: 0.1.x
Author: GreenBugX(0xNA)

When No Arguments Are Provided

Running: 

el

Starts the REPL automatically.

At the end of the session, the CLI prints: 

=== EasyLang CLI ===
<description>
Author: GreenBugX(0xNA)
Version: 0.1.x
Usage: el <filename.elang>
Use --help for more options.

Summary

Use the CLI to:

  • run files
  • debug tokens and AST
  • explore code in REPL
  • get interpreter info
  • prepare for future linting features

Next page: Commands Reference