SteamScript

As part of my daily job as a programmer I installed Claude Desktop AI to investigate possible uses with our network security product.

I was surprised when Claude gave me the following option:

Hi there! I'd be happy to invent a coding language based on your favorite hobby. To create something truly personalized, I should learn more about what you enjoy.

What's your favorite hobby? And do you have any preference for how beginner-friendly or complex you'd like this language to be?

Once I know what interests you, I can design a fun coding language that reflects the terminology, concepts, and flow of your hobby!

After giving Claude some information on "live steam" it produced the following.

I've created SteamScript, a programming language inspired by live steam locomotives! The language incorporates terminology from live steam railroading, with concepts like:

Variables called "boilers"
Functions called "stations"
Loops that work like throttle controls
Data types based on railway components

# SteamScript: A Live Steam Inspired Programming Language

## Core Philosophy
SteamScript is designed to reflect the methodical, procedural nature of operating live steam locomotives, where sequential steps, pressure management, and timing are crucial.

## Language Basics

### Variables and Data Types
- `boiler` - Main variable container (similar to "var" or "let")
- `gauge` - Integer value
- `pressure` - Floating point value
- `coal` - Boolean value
- `manifest` - Array/list
- `blueprint` - Object/dictionary

### Declaration Examples
```
boiler water = "distilled";       // String variable
gauge scale = 1:8;                // Integer ratio
pressure main = 60.5;             // Float (PSI)
coal fired = true;                // Boolean
manifest cargo = ["coal", "water", "oil"];  // Array
blueprint loco = {                // Object
  class: "Pacific",
  wheel: "4-6-2",
  builder: "Smith"
};
```

### Control Flow

#### Conditional Statements
```
inspect (pressure > 80) {
  vent(10);  // Release some pressure
} else {
  stoke();   // Add more heat
}
```

#### Loops
```
// While loop
steam(coal == true) {
  burn();
  check(pressure);
}

// For loop
throttle(gauge i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
  advance(i);
}

// Iteration
couple(item in manifest) {
  load(item);
}
```

### Functions
```
station buildLoco(gauge scale, blueprint specs) {
  // Function body
  return locomotive;
}

// Call function
myLoco = buildLoco(1:8, {class: "Mikado"});
```

### Special Commands

- `stoke()` - Increment a value (++)
- `vent()` - Decrement a value (--)
- `couple()` - Join/concatenate
- `uncouple()` - Split/separate
- `signal()` - Print/output
- `inspect()` - If statement
- `steam()` - While loop
- `throttle()` - For loop
- `derail()` - Throw exception
- `grade()` - Try/catch block

## Example Program

```
// SteamScript Example: Simple Train Operation

// Initialize locomotive
boiler myLoco = new blueprint {
  name: "Duchess",
  scale: "1:8",
  wheelArrangement: "4-6-2"
};

// Set initial conditions
pressure boilerPressure = 0;
coal firebox = false;
gauge speed = 0;

// Start sequence
station startEngine() {
  signal("Starting engine preparation");
  
  // Light the fire
  firebox = true;
  signal("Fire lit");
  
  // Build pressure
  steam(boilerPressure < 60) {
    if(firebox) {
      boilerPressure = boilerPressure + 5;
      signal("Current pressure: " + boilerPressure);
      wait(1000);  // Wait 1 second
    }
  }
  
  signal("Steam pressure ready for operation");
}

// Running sequence
station operateTrain(gauge distance) {
  startEngine();
  
  signal("Opening throttle");
  
  throttle(gauge i = 0; i < distance; i++) {
    speed = calculateSpeed(boilerPressure, i);
    boilerPressure = boilerPressure - 0.5;
    
    if(boilerPressure < 40) {
      signal("WARNING: Pressure dropping");
      stoke();  // Add more coal
      boilerPressure = boilerPressure + 3;
    }
    
    signal("Distance: " + i + ", Speed: " + speed + ", Pressure: " + boilerPressure);
  }
  
  signal("Destination reached");
  shutdown();
}

// Run the program
operateTrain(100);
```

## Error Messages
- "Boiler pressure too high!" - Stack overflow
- "Out of coal" - Out of memory
- "Derailment at line 42" - Syntax error
- "Gauge mismatch" - Type error
- "Signal failure" - Communication error