Using Sanskrit or Hindi Instead of English in Programming Languages

Programming languages have traditionally used English for keywords, functions, and syntax. However, with the rise of localized software development, there is growing interest in using native languages like Sanskrit or Hindi for programming. This article explores the possibilities and challenges of creating a programming language that uses Sanskrit or Hindi instead of English, along with code samples and examples.

Why Use Sanskrit or Hindi in Programming?

• Cultural Relevance: Using native languages makes programming more accessible to non-English speakers.

• Educational Benefits: It can help in teaching programming to students in their native language, making the learning process smoother.

• Linguistic Preservation: Encourages the use of native languages in modern technology, aiding in their preservation and growth.

Creating a Programming Language with Hindi Keywords

To demonstrate how a programming language can use Hindi keywords, we’ll create a simple language called HindiScript. Below are some basic concepts and code examples.

Keywords and Syntax

In HindiScript, common programming keywords are translated into Hindi:

• if becomes यदि

• else becomes अन्यथा

• while becomes जबतक

• for becomes के लिए

• function becomes कार्य

• return becomes वापस

• print becomes छापें

Example 1: Hello World

कार्य मुख्य() {
    छापें("नमस्ते दुनिया");
}

मुख्य();

Example 2: Conditional Statements

कार्य मुख्य() {
    पूर्णांक x = 10;

    यदि (x > 5) {
        छापें("x 5 से बड़ा है");
    } अन्यथा {
        छापें("x 5 से छोटा है");
    }
}

मुख्य();

Example 3: Loops

कार्य मुख्य() {
    के लिए (पूर्णांक i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
        छापें("गिनती: " + i);
    }

    पूर्णांक j = 0;
    जबतक (j < 5) {
        छापें("गिनती: " + j);
        j++;
    }
}

मुख्य();

Creating a Programming Language with Sanskrit Keywords

In SanskritScript, common programming keywords are translated into Sanskrit:

• if becomes यदि

• else becomes अन्यथा

• while becomes यावत्

• for becomes अधि

• function becomes समासः

• return becomes प्रतिनिवृत्तिः

• print becomes मुद्रय

Example 1: Hello World

समासः मुख्यः() {
    मुद्रय("नमः विश्वाय");
}

मुख्यः();

Example 2: Conditional Statements

sanskritCopy codeसमासः मुख्यः() {
    पूर्णाङ्क x = 10;

    यदि (x > 5) {
        मुद्रय("x पञ्चात् बृहत्तमः अस्ति");
    } अन्यथा {
        मुद्रय("x पञ्चात् लघुतमः अस्ति");
    }
}

मुख्यः();

Example 3: Loops

समासः मुख्यः() {
    अधि (पूर्णाङ्क i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
        मुद्रय("गणना: " + i);
    }

    पूर्णाङ्क j = 0;
    यावत् (j < 5) {
        मुद्रय("गणना: " + j);
        j++;
    }
}

मुख्यः();

Tools and Support

Creating and using a programming language with Hindi or Sanskrit keywords requires:

1. Compiler/Interpreter: A tool that can parse and execute the code written in the new language.

2. IDE Support: An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that supports syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging for the new language.

3. Documentation and Tutorials: Comprehensive resources to help developers learn and use the new language.

Challenges

1. Translation Accuracy: Ensuring accurate translation of technical terms.

2. Community and Ecosystem: Building a community and ecosystem around a new language.

3. Tooling and Support: Developing IDEs, compilers, and other tools that support the new language.

Conclusion

Using Sanskrit or Hindi in programming languages is an exciting and challenging endeavor. It makes programming more inclusive and helps preserve and promote native languages. While there are hurdles to overcome, the benefits of cultural relevance and educational accessibility make it a worthwhile pursuit. By building the necessary tools and community, we can pave the way for more localized programming languages in the future.

Happy Reading :-)