DEV Community: Mr Sharafdin

How I Built Soplang — A Programming Language Inspired by Somali (And Why You Don’t Start From Scratch)

Mr Sharafdin — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 13:47:44 +0000

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own programming language? I did — and I followed through with it.

It’s called Soplang, and it’s a language designed with simplicity, education, and the Somali language in mind. But building a programming language isn't as mysterious as it seems — and you don't need to start from raw machine code.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

What a programming language really is,
How they’re built (step by step),
Why most languages are built on top of others,
And the lessons I learned building Soplang — especially the pain of designing grammar in Somali.

What Is a Programming Language?

At its core, a programming language is just a way to give instructions to a computer. But computers only understand machine code — binary ones and zeros. So we create human-friendly languages that get translated into something the machine can actually execute.

A typical language has:

Syntax: the rules of how code is written (like grammar in English).
Semantics: the meaning of that code (what it does).
A compiler or interpreter: a program that translates your code into something executable.
Standard library: built-in functionality like math, file access, networking, etc.

How Are Programming Languages Built?

Let’s break it down into the essential building blocks:

1. Lexing & Parsing

You take the raw code (door x = 5) and turn it into tokens: words like door, x, =, 5.

Then, you parse those tokens into an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) — a tree structure that represents what the code means.

2. Interpreting or Compiling

Once you have the AST, you can either:

Interpret it: directly execute it line by line (like Python does),
Or Compile it: translate the whole thing into another language or machine code (like Rust or C++).

3. Runtime / Standard Library

This is the toolbox for your language: math functions, file I/O, networking, etc. Without this, the language can’t do much.

4. Tooling

Once your language works, you still need:

A REPL (interactive shell),
A CLI tool to run code,
An editor plugin (e.g. VS Code extension),
A debugger, linter, formatter — the whole ecosystem.

For Soplang, the first version includes a Python-based interpreter, an extended standard library, and we’re building a Rust-based compiler and a browser version (sopScript) next.

Every Language Stands on the Shoulders of Another

Almost every major language you know was built using another language.

Python was written in C.
JavaScript (V8 engine) is written in C++.
Rust was first prototyped in OCaml, then rewritten in Rust.
Go was bootstrapped with C.
TypeScript compiles to JavaScript.
Even C came from B, which came from BCPL.

So when I started Soplang, I used Python to build the first interpreter. It let me move fast, prototype quickly, and focus on language design. Later, we’re switching to a Rust-based compiler for better performance and safety.

Using another language to build your own isn’t cheating — it’s the standard.

Lessons From Designing Soplang’s Grammar (It Was Painful)

One of the most surprising challenges I faced was choosing the right grammar and keywords — especially because Soplang is designed with Somali in mind.

At first, I used keyd for variables — it means “storage.” Technically correct, but it didn’t feel natural.

After some testing and feedback, I changed it to door, a short form of doorsoome, meaning “something that changes.” That captured the real purpose of a variable better, and it was shorter and cleaner.

But that process repeated for every keyword:

What should if, while, print, function be in Somali?
Should the syntax look more like Python or something completely new?
Should I favor readability or brevity?

Language design isn’t just technical — it’s cultural and linguistic too.

The Future of Soplang

Soplang is still evolving. Here’s what’s coming in Soplang 2.0:

A new, clean grammar specification.
A Python interpreter and a Rust-based compiler.
A CLI tool (sop) to run and manage packages.
sopScript: Soplang running in the browser.
A full standard library: math, file I/O, networking, date/time.
A VS Code extension with auto-completion, syntax highlighting, and inline docs.
A new website and documentation.

Final Thoughts

Building a programming language is like creating your own universe. You define the rules, the words, the behaviors. It’s hard — but deeply rewarding.

You don’t need to be a compiler expert to start. You just need a goal, a little curiosity, and the patience to make a lot of design decisions.

Whether you're thinking about building your own language or just curious how it’s done — I hope Soplang inspires you.

Mr Sharafdin.

Soplang 2.0 Is Almost Here — A Somali-first Programming Language Nears Major Release

Mr Sharafdin — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:40:48 +0000

The programming language landscape is about to welcome a fresh and culturally grounded addition: Soplang, a Somali-first programming language, is preparing to launch its long-awaited 2.0 release. Designed with native Somali syntax, dual typing, and full developer tooling, Soplang 2.0 is shaping up to be more than just a language — it's an ecosystem.

Initially released as a minimalist interpreted language, Soplang has evolved into a feature-rich environment intended to make software development more accessible to Somali-speaking developers.

What's Soplang?

Soplang is a general-purpose programming language built around Somali linguistic conventions. Its core syntax reflects Somali words — like door for variable declarations, haddii for conditionals, and howl for functions — making it more intuitive for native speakers.

Beyond the syntax, Soplang includes many of the features developers expect from a modern language: object-oriented programming, static typing, module support, and error handling.

Soplang 2.0: What’s New?

The upcoming 2.0 release is a full revamp that significantly expands language capabilities and introduces powerful development tools.

Language Improvements

Dual Typing System: Support for both static and dynamic typing
Class System: OOP via fasalka, inheritance with ka_dhaxal
Structured Control Flow: Including haddii, celi, iska_joog, and loop constructs
Error Handling: With isku_day/qabo (try/catch) semantics

Soplang’s syntax is backed by a formal EBNF grammar, implemented fully in the interpreter.

Expanded Standard Library

Soplang 2.0 ships with a more complete standard library:

Math Module: Functions for matrix operations, vectors, and basic statistics
File I/O: Somali-named file handlers like faylka_fur, faylka_qor, and faylka_xir
Networking: Basic HTTP functionality using shabakad_codso and shabakad_jawaab
Date/Time: Native date manipulation in Somali syntax

The goal is to keep everything practical while preserving linguistic clarity and accessibility.

Tooling & Developer Experience

Tooling has been a major focus for Soplang 2.0, and it shows:

VS Code Extension: Includes syntax highlighting, inline docs, and code suggestions
REPL: Command-line interface with history and syntax coloring
Browser Runtime (sopScript): For embedding Soplang in web applications and learning platforms
CLI Tool (sop): Manage packages, run programs, and handle project scaffolding

This is a level of polish rarely seen in small-language ecosystems — a promising sign of future growth.

Website & Docs

The official website is now live at soplang.org. You’ll find full documentation, language reference, community links, and project updates — all aligned with the language's mission to be educational, accessible, and community-driven.

What's Next?

The current focus is on finalizing the Python-based interpreter and testing the tooling across platforms. A Rust-based compiler is on the roadmap for future versions, bringing faster performance and system-level capabilities.

According to the team, the 2.0 beta release is expected within the next 4–6 weeks.

Why It Matters

Soplang is part of a growing trend toward culturally contextual programming languages. For Somali-speaking learners and developers, this offers an easier entry point into coding — no translation required. For educators, it’s a new tool to make computer science more accessible.

And for the wider tech community, it’s a reminder: programming doesn't need to be English-only.

Learn More

GitHub: github.com/soplang/soplang
Website: soplang.org

Have thoughts on culturally localized programming? Seen similar efforts in your own region? Drop a comment below and let’s talk.

Mr Sharafdin.

Introducing Soplang: A Somali Programming Language

Mr Sharafdin — Sun, 19 May 2024 18:45:09 +0000

1. Inspiration and Early Beginnings

I first started thinking about creating a programming language called Soplang in February 2023. My main motivation was to bridge the gap for Somali speakers learning to code. The idea of writing code in Somali felt both ambitious and exciting — it could lower barriers for beginners and seasoned developers alike.

By October 2023, I had a working version ready for release. Although it wasn’t a fully standalone language, this initial Python-based implementation laid the foundation for what Soplang could become. Soplang is also the first known programming language specifically crafted for Somali speakers, making it a landmark effort to integrate technology with the Somali language.

2. What is Soplang?

Soplang stands for Somali (So) Programming (P) Language (Lang). It features a Somali-based syntax so that common programming constructs — like declaring variables, writing functions, or handling conditionals — feel more natural for Somali speakers. The goal is to make coding more intuitive, especially for those who may find English-based languages challenging.

Even at this early stage, Soplang already supports:

Variables with the keyword keyd
Conditionals (haddii, haddii_kale, kale)
Loops (ku_celi for loops and inta_ay for while loops)
Functions (shaqo to define, soo_celi to return)
Lists with built-in functions for appending, popping, and more

3. Why I Created It

One core inspiration is the idea of “Dhis software adigoo adeegsanaya afkaaga hooyo,” which translates to “Build software using your mother tongue.” I believe that allowing people to code in Somali empowers them to focus on logic rather than translating English keywords in their heads. Additionally, I’m passionate about developing the Somali language further, and Soplang is my way of contributing to that growth in the tech world.

There are many established languages — Python, JavaScript, Rust, and more — but they largely rely on English. By introducing Somali-based keywords and documentation, I hope Soplang can foster a more inclusive environment for learners who might otherwise feel discouraged or overwhelmed by language barriers.

4. The Current State of Soplang

Right now, Soplang:

Runs on top of Python (it is essentially interpreted by a Python script).
Lacks a dedicated package manager, meaning external libraries or modules aren’t as easy to install.
Is open to syntax improvements — I’m considering changes that will refine how variables, loops, and function calls look.

Despite these limitations, Soplang is fully capable of running simple programs and demonstrating how programming in Somali can work. Here’s a quick sample:

keyd x = 5
keyd name = "Mr Sharafdin"

haddii x < 10 markaas
    PRINT("x is less than 10")
kale
    PRINT("x is 10 or more")
dhamee
shaqo greet(magac)
    PRINT("Salaan, " + magac + "!")
dhamee
greet(name)

5. Grammar Highlights

I based Soplang’s grammar on EBNF notation, ensuring it’s both flexible and easy to parse. Some of the keywords include:

keyd (declare a variable)
haddii / haddii_kale / kale (if / else-if / else)
ku_celi / ilaa / tallaabo (for loops with an optional step)
inta_ay (while loops)
shaqo (define a function)
soo_celi (return from function)

6. Looking Ahead: Next Steps

I have plenty of ambitious plans for Soplang’s future:

Become Fully Standalone I’m aiming to evolve Soplang beyond a Python-based interpreter. This might involve rewriting it in Python more thoroughly, and potentially porting it to Rust for speed and efficiency.
Add a Package Manager Package managers are essential for modern languages. I want Soplang to easily incorporate community-built packages, libraries, and frameworks, so developers can collaborate more effectively.
Refine the Syntax and Grammar Soplang’s syntax is still evolving. I plan to smooth out any rough edges — making the language both consistent and readable.
Community Involvement Once things are stable enough, I hope to open-source the project more widely. Feedback and collaboration from other developers — especially Somali speakers — will help Soplang grow into a language that truly serves its community.

7. Closing Thoughts

Soplang is still in its early days, but the journey so far has been incredibly rewarding. By building a Somali-based language, I aim to encourage more people to explore programming without linguistic barriers. If you share this vision or simply want to tinker with something new, Soplang might be a fun project to follow.

Stay tuned for updates on package management, a Rust-based compiler, and syntax enhancements. For now, thank you for reading about Soplang — and let’s keep coding in Somali!

Note: If you’re interested in trying out Soplang or contributing, check out the GitHub repository and feel free to share any ideas or feedback. Let’s build a vibrant Somali programming community together.

Mr Sharafdin.

Unleashing Efficiency in Backend Development with Yonode

Mr Sharafdin — Fri, 03 May 2024 10:03:01 +0000

Discover how Yonode empowers both JavaScript and TypeScript developers with ready-made templates and robust tools.

Introduction: The Need for Speed

In a world where development speed equates to a competitive edge, Yonode stands out as a premier Node.js toolkit, accelerating both initial setup and ongoing project management. It supports JavaScript and TypeScript, catering to diverse development needs.

What is Yonode?

Yonode is a comprehensive toolkit designed to enhance backend development. It provides pre-configured templates and tools, allowing developers to quickly move past setup and focus on innovative coding.

Key Features

Dual-Language Support

Yonode's support for both JavaScript and TypeScript makes it adaptable for a variety of projects, enhancing flexibility and accessibility for developers.

MVC Architecture

Yonode's MVC structure promotes clean code separation and scalability, crucial for managing complex applications.

Database Integration

Yonode eases database setup with ready-to-use configurations for SQL and NoSQL databases, integrating popular ORMs to streamline development.

Robust Authentication

Security is paramount, and Yonode delivers with customizable authentication templates that are easy to implement.

Middleware & Environment Setup

Yonode comes equipped with essential middleware for logging, error handling, and more. It also simplifies the management of environment variables, ensuring smooth operation across different development stages.

Getting Started

Kickstart your project with Yonode using just one command:

npx yonode@latest

This setup initiates a tailored configuration process, even allowing projects to be started directly in the current directory.

Why Choose Yonode?

Yonode is crafted for developers seeking to reduce setup time and enhance productivity. Its comprehensive toolkit supports rapid development cycles, making it an essential asset for modern backend development.

Join the Yonode Community

Yonode is more than just a toolkit; it's a community. Developers are invited to contribute to its evolution, share insights, and stay at the forefront of backend development innovations.

Conclusion

Yonode is an indispensable tool for Node.js developers aiming to optimize their development workflow. With its robust features and strong community, Yonode is poised to elevate your backend development.

Explore Yonode further and join the community at yonode.org and on our GitHub.