https://github.com/raineorshine/wispy
Reversible alternative syntax for Javascript
https://github.com/raineorshine/wispy
javascript language
Last synced: 7 months ago
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Reversible alternative syntax for Javascript
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/raineorshine/wispy
- Owner: raineorshine
- License: isc
- Created: 2017-01-24T18:35:14.000Z (over 8 years ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2017-01-25T05:22:25.000Z (over 8 years ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-03-10T15:09:33.533Z (8 months ago)
- Topics: javascript, language
- Language: JavaScript
- Size: 10.7 KB
- Stars: 2
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# wispy
[](https://npmjs.org/package/wispy)
Reversible alternative syntax for Javascript.
- **Normal transpiler:** Specialscript → Javascript
- **Reversible transpiler:** Javascript → Specialscript → Javascript
A reversible transpiler lets you code Javascript in an alternative syntax (e.g. Python-like indentation) and have seamless integration with an existing Javascript codebase. Input is Javascript and output is Javascript. The editing happens within an ephemeral intermediate language.
---
wispy:
```haskell
server.get((req, res) =>
fs.readFile('myfile', 'utf-8', (err, text) =>
if (err)
console.log('There was an error reading the file.')
res.status(500).send(err)
else
console.log('The contents of your file are: \n' + text)
res.status(200).send(text)))
```
Javascript:
```js
server.get((req, res) => {
fs.readFile('myfile', 'utf-8', (err, text) => {
if (err) {
console.log('There was an error reading the file.')
res.status(500).send(err)
}
else {
console.log('The contents of your file are: \n' + text)
res.status(200).send(text)
}
})
})
```
## Install
```sh
$ npm install --save -g wispy
```
## Usage
```sh
$ myfile.js < wispy
```
## Philosophy
It is not difficult to find criticism in Javascript as a language. But as a platform it is both ubiquitous, versatile, and increasingly performant. Coding in a language like Coffeescript or PureScript that compiles to Javascript offers the benefit of a more expressive/elegant language while still being able to target the most widespread platform on the planet.
There are a few problems though.
1. When you use an alternative language, you limit the number of people who can contribute to your project. It's not a Javascript project anymore, even though it outputs Javascript. It's a Coffeescript project, PureScript project, etc.
2. You add a build step. This adds complexity and friction with developers' existing build systems.
3. No matter how nice a language/workflow you have with your new, special language, you can only utilize it on your project. Any open source projects or team projects that are in Javascript force you back to the medieval age.
A reversible transpiler eliminates all these problems. It takes Javascript as input so it can be used on any open source project. It outputs Javascript so there is 0 friction with other people's Javascript tooling. It moves the language enhancements to the individual developer and seamlessly integrates with existing code.
## License
ISC © [Raine Revere](http://raine.tech)