You should make a new programming language

Creating a new programming language can be a valuable learning experience for software engineers, despite the fact that most tasks can be accomplished using existing languages. The author reflects on their journey of developing languages, starting with a humorous premise that led to unexpected insights. Building a programming language allows engineers to gain a deeper understanding of language design, parsing, and runtime execution. The process involves making critical decisions about the language's structure, such as its syntax and type system, which enhances comprehension of existing languages. The author emphasizes that the resulting language may not be perfect, but it can still serve specific purposes and provide a fun learning experience. They encourage programmers to start by implementing existing languages through guided resources, which can demystify the process. The author suggests that choosing a different implementation language than the one used in tutorials can deepen understanding. Ultimately, the act of creating a language fosters creativity and innovation, contributing to the evolution of programming.

- Developing a programming language enhances understanding of language design and execution.

- The process can be freeing, as the resulting language doesn't need to be perfect.

- Implementing existing languages can provide valuable insights and foundational knowledge.

- Choosing a different implementation language can deepen learning.

- Creating a language encourages creativity and innovation in programming.