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Owen Boreham
Owen Boreham

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Demi & Virtcomp

#virtualmachine #programming #startup #contributorswanted

Hello, Dev Community! 👋

I’m excited to introduce two interconnected projects: Demi, a customizable programming language, and VirtComp, a virtual compiler that powers Demi. Let me share the vision, current progress, and roadmap for these projects.

What is Demi?

Demi is a programming language designed to be fully customizable by developers. Whether you're working on a niche project or building software with deep API integrations, Demi adapts to your needs.

Key Features:

  • Customizable Syntax: Tailor the language’s syntax to suit your project.
  • Robust API Integration: Seamlessly connect with services and libraries.
  • Portable Compilation: Create portable executables using VirtComp.
  • Flexible Development: Demi molds itself to your workflow.

Currently, Demi is an incomplete prototype running as an interpreted language using Deno. The final version will be a compiler written in C++, integrated with VirtComp.

What is VirtComp?

VirtComp is a virtual compiler written in C++ that emulates machine instructions for a custom 32-bit CPU architecture, enabling Demi to compile into portable executables.

Key Features:

  • Custom CPU Architecture: Optimized for portability.
  • Modular I/O System: Supports console I/O, file access, and more.
  • Visual Debugger: Offers real-time debugging capabilities.
  • Extensibility: Developers can expand functionality by adding devices or instructions.

VirtComp ensures programs written in Demi are portable and deployable across systems.

The Vision

The goal is for Demi to evolve into a compiled language, powered by VirtComp. This transformation will result in an executable capable of compiling source code into portable machine code, fostering efficient and customizable software development.

Current Progress

  • VirtComp: Functional with modular I/O systems, a custom CPU architecture, and a visual debugger. Documentation and tests are available.
  • Demi: Operational as an interpreted prototype. It includes examples, a REPL mode, and a VS Code extension for syntax highlighting. The final version will be rewritten in C++.

Roadmap

Phase 1: Foundation (In Progress)

  • Develop VirtComp as a functional virtual compiler.
  • Prototype Demi as an interpreted language using Deno.
  • Update: While initial functionality exists, implementation, features, and refinements are ongoing.

Phase 2: Integration

  • Integrate Demi with VirtComp to enable compilation.
  • Expand documentation and examples.

Phase 3: Alpha Release (ETA: Q1 2026)

  • Release Demi as a compiled language.
  • Provide tools for syntax customization, API integration, and system extensions.

Phase 4: Community Development (Q2 2026)

  • Host hackathons and foster contributions.

Phase 5: Stable Release (Q4 2026)

  • Launch stable versions of Demi and VirtComp.

How to Get Involved

  • Developers: Contribute to the codebase and share ideas.
  • Sponsors: Support the project to accelerate development.
  • Users: Explore the prototype and provide feedback.

Check out the repos:

Let’s create a future where programming languages adapt to their users. 🚀

Join the discussion and connect with the community on Discord! https://discord.gg/w9vxvfcrXp

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