v1.0

Getting Started with Astra

Astra is a custom programming language implemented in C++17. It compiles source code to bytecode and executes it on a custom Virtual Machine. Designed to be simple yet expressive — with unique features like Chains, Modifiers, and a tri-state boolean system.

💡 Tip: Astra is perfect for learning language design concepts, scripting tasks, and building tools with a clean, readable syntax.

Installation

Download the latest release for your platform:

Windows

terminal

\\ Download astra.exe and run:
astra program.astra

Linux / macOS

terminal

\\ Download the binary and run:
chmod +x astra
./astra program.astra

📦 Download: Get the latest release from the Downloads page.

Hello World

Create a file called hello.astra and write:

hello.astra

write "Hello, World!"

Run it:

terminal

astra hello.astra

Output:

Hello, World!

Let's try something more interesting:

intro.astra

\\ Variables
name = "Astra"
version = 1.0

write "Welcome to " + name + " v" + version

\\ Tri-state boolean — unique to Astra!
flag = maybe
write flag        \\ MAYBE

\\ Safe division
x = 10 / 0
write x           \\ INFINITE

Interactive REPL

Run Astra without a file to enter the interactive REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop). Great for experimenting with the language:

terminal

astra

Astra VM Ready (Type 'exit' to quit)
Astra [1] >> x = 10
Astra [2] >> write x
10
Astra [3] >> write x * 2 + 5
25
Astra [4] >> exit

💡 Tip: The REPL supports arrow keys for history navigation. Press ↑ to recall previous commands.

Build from Source

Astra is implemented in C++17. To build from source, you need a C++ compiler like g++ or clang++.

Clone the repository

terminal

git clone https://github.com/astra-language/astra
cd astra

Compile

terminal

g++ -std=c++17 -O3 main.cpp lexer.cpp compiler.cpp vm.cpp \
    parser.cpp PowerManager.cpp chains.cpp error.cpp \
    builtfun.cpp file.cpp common.cpp -o astra

Run

terminal

./astra hello.astra

✅ Next: Learn about Variables & Constants →