Etch is an experiment to see if we can address the issues with some other visual programing languages by using functional programing
You can jump in and try it here
Etch is designed as a next generation language. There are some key principles that have guided the design choices.
EtcH is designed to be instantly more accessible than traditional textual languages but also has the potential to become a serious programming environment capable of all the same tasks. Currently output is limited in functionality but that will be expanded.
Many visual coding tools allow you to type "real" code into the boxes when you need additional functionality. EtcH is designed from first principles to be able to compose complex functionality from simple base parts as a complete solution.
EtcH takes a pure functional approach to programming separating data from computation. An EtcH program is built entirely out of the same simple composable building blocks (functions). This reduces the concepts needed to be understood and alow certain key features (auto function creation).
A rich UI and features such as type safety and realtime debugging are designed to make creating software a more intuitive experience especially for new programers. If possible no runtime errors ever. My hope is we can also open up new ways to collaborate by sharing functions and libraries in new ways.
Built (at least partially)
- Functions are project wide and can be nested
- Simple type system
- Project wide shared types
- Nested inspection and wiring
- Everything can be renamed safely
- Type aware static value input
- Live project debugging
- multi drag selections (clone / make function)
- Duplicate / Delete projects
On the todo list
- Map / Reduce and general first class function support
- Save and share project on the "cloud"
- Tutorials and Example projects
- Search / Share functions (modules?)
- Undo / Redo
- multi drag selections (delete )
- zoom and pan function view
- Expanded type system (lists & unions)
- Scene functionality (images / sounds / layers)
- Effects (network, time, scene events, random numbers)
- Output html?
- mobile / tablet support
- performance optimisations
project is uses create react You can learn more in the Create React App documentation.
Runs the app in the development mode.
Open http://localhost:3000 to view it in the browser.
The page will reload if you make edits.
You will also see any lint errors in the console.
Launches the test runner in the interactive watch mode.
See the section about running tests for more information.
Builds the app for production to the build
folder.
It correctly bundles React in production mode and optimizes the build for the best performance.
The build is minified and the filenames include the hashes.
Your app is ready to be deployed!
See the section about deployment for more information.