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Hear me out: A scripting language that compiles to bash or sh (any suggestions?) (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by cyclohexane@lemmy.ml to c/programming@programming.dev

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why?

Because bash feels clunky to write and work with for anything non-trivial, especially compared to other scripting languages.

Why not another scripting language (no compile necessary)?

Because bash and sh are installed nearly everywhere. Any other scripting language means the user is required to have that installed, and that is far less likely to be the case.

If I could write my scripts in a nice syntax, but be sure my users will be able to use it effortlessly by distributing to them compiled versions, then that would make both of our lives easier!

Thoughts? Are there any languges that do this?

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[–] aport@programming.dev 33 points 1 year ago (2 children)

its possible to write a single text file that is valid bash/dash/zsh/powershell and valid JavaScript all at the same time. It sounds impossible, but there is enough overlapping syntax that actually any javascript program can be converted into a valid bash script without mangling the JS code.

I'm both impressed and horrified

[–] UlrikHD@programming.dev 22 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

It'd honestly the funniest thing I've read on this instance. Puts programmer humour to shame. Love it when developers finds the jankiest/unconventional way to solve problems.

[–] Mikina@programming.dev 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

It's one of those tools that can both be used on a resume or as a diagnosis. I love it!

[–] jeffhykin@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago

Agreed hahaha. I thought I'd enjoy the day my code golf skills would be used to solve a legit problem but instead it just feels kinda gross 😆

Honestly it's really dissapointing we don't just have an agreed-upon universal pre-installed language. And it's beyond ironic (more like the universe is laughing at us) that JS, the web language that gets used for every not-web-thing, is also the language with a syntax that allows it to become the effectively universal no-preinstall language.