Nilakan

Nilakan is a small programming language named after Nilakantha Somaiyaji. It writes state updates as explicit difference equations. The current implementation is intentionally compact: programs use Python-like syntax, pure collection methods, runtime type contracts, and commit loops that stage next-state updates with primed names.

These docs are for students learning Nilakan and developers working on the language. They document the implemented syntax, behavior, and internals.

Start here

• Getting Started shows how to run a file, use stdin, and write a first program.
• Language Reference describes the implemented syntax and semantics.
• API Reference lists the implemented built-ins and methods.
• Examples demonstrates individual language forms with small programs.
• Open Work separates deferred design work from implemented behavior.

The documentation covers implemented behavior only. The interpreter and its tests are the source of truth when the documentation disagrees with the implementation.