Declare

Use and Origin

  • Origin

I developed the name from how variables are declared. I believed using “declare” as a keyword, would let users easily identify what the statement is doing.

  • Use

If the name wasn’t obvious enough, “declare” is used to give variables a value. For example, you want to give variable “x” the integer value of 5. Declare would be used for that. Along with that, declare can be used with built-in functions to give variables a special value.

Note

As of v0.7, type-specifiers are deprecated and not recommended for use anymore. Instead, disregarding the type of your variable’s type, use simply declare and let ISEC infer the type.

declare x = 5

Types

There are 5 types that declare can assign a variable to. Each must have a type specifier of either: int, float, string, bool, or char.

Do know: some types can have a built-in function assigned to them, which would be considered valid. A built-in function example, being read(). More about functions can be found out in their respected chapter.

Integers (int)

int declare x = 5;

int declare big_num = 100000000;

Only whole numbers can be used with ints. Using a float such as 2.22, would throw an error.

Floats/Decimals (float)

float declare y = 5.24;

float declare z = 8.23;

Similar to int, except with a rule change, only floats can be declared here. Something like 5 or even a string would throw an error.

Strings/Text (string)

string declare name = "John Doe";

string declare day = "Sunday";

Only strings can be declared with the type specifier string. If a string is not used, an error will be thrown.

Booleans (bool)

bool declare x = true;

bool declare y = false;

Booleans are strict. If want to assign a variable to a Truthy value, then use the word “true”. However, if you want it to assign it to a Falsy value, used the word “false”. As Intext develops, these will be more important for logic-handling.

Characters (char)

char declare y = 'C'; char declare z = 'H';

Chars have a strict rule. You cannot use double-quotes to declare a char. Doing so, will throw an error. In v0.5-pre and before, errors may have been thrown regardless. These may have already been patched in later versions however.

RawAST Declare Syntax 

{
 "type": "declare",
 "var_type": "void",
 "var_name": "x",
 "var_value": 5
}

Above, is a void declare node. It does not have a type specifier, because using it, will have ISEC automatically assume what type you need. Also, with the state of Intext as I am writing this, the type system was redundant. I won’t go into to much detail about the node design due to how obvious it is, but the var_type key’s value will change depending on what type you want specified. Whether it be char, bool, or string also make sure that the var_value’s value is respective to the type. In other words, use common sense.

Common Errors and Questions

  • What if I don’t use a type specifier?

In v0.5 an error will be thrown if a type specifier is not used. In v0.7 it’s fine, in fact, expected.

  • delcare, Common misspelling of “declare”

I have suffered this typo way to many times to admit. Unfortunately, being a fast typer makes this error more common. The best thing you can do, is just read over your Intext file, and make sure the grammar is correct.