ZenCode specification
ZenCode is a multi-purpose scripting and programming language intended for a far wider use than just MineTweaker. In future, the scripting system will be hosted on a separate website, but for now, its complete specification will be available here.
- Introduction #
The purpose of ZenCode is to make it possible for non-programmers to use a simple scripting language while allowing more experienced programmers to take advantage of all the speed and features offered by modern object-oriented languages. Currently, ZenCode compiles at runtime to java bytecode, but in future, other target platforms should be supported.
The idea of ZenCode is that it can be used by a wide range of people. While experienced programmers can easily understand every detail that goes on under the hood, less experienced programmers and non-programmers could simply follow the tutorials and magically "have everything work" without having to bother about the details. For instance, ZenCode can be written with or without specifying data types. When used without types, the scripting engine can infer the types in most cases and use runtime-typed values in cases where it couldn't. It wouldn't be optimal in terms of speed, but it would work without having to teach the non-programmer all the ugly details about everything in the language.
Meanwhile, more advanced programmers can specify types for those places where it can't be inferred, know everything that goes on under the hood, and write code that's both fast and clean. They would be able to write their advanced logic and make it available in the form of easily used APIs for less experienced users. This is particularly interesting in the modding world, where there is a mix of users with different skill levels. Making a Minecraft mod requires knowledge of both Java and Forge, which can be hard to learn for a non-programmer. However, many people would like to make simple modification to the game - modifications that are difficult to provide with a graphical user interface. A scripting language would be needed, but shouldn't need a user to know what classes and interfaces, be aware of the difference between a float and double or about the language's casting rules.
- Types #
