FirstGrader: A Beginner-Friendly Programming Language

“FirstGrader” is a custom-built educational programming language developed using 'Racket', designed to simplify coding for absolute beginners. It introduces programming concepts through natural, conversational syntax to create a more approachable and enjoyable first step into programming.

🎯 Purpose

• Create a beginner-friendly language, even easier than Python.

• Introduce coding using intuitive, everyday language.

• Support early learners in developing computational thinking.

🧩 Features

• Natural Syntax: Keywords like remember, say, and gets make the language feel conversational.

• Flexible Grammar: Offers both symbolic (>, <) and word-based (greaterthan, lessthan) operators.

• Essential Structures: Includes conditionals, loops, variable declarations, and function calls.

⌨ Example Code

begin
remember a as number
remember b as number
b gets 3 
a gets b + 3
for i from 1 to 3 do 
      say "Loop iteration: " + i
      a gets a + 1
      say "Current value of a: " + a
done
end

🛠 Tools & Technologies

• Language & Software Used: Racket

• Core Components: Custom Grammar, Lexical Analyzer, Syntax Parser

• Testing: Built-in examples for addition, loops, user input, and conditionals

💡 Key Highlights

• Designed to make programming concepts easier to grasp through readable, human-like syntax.

• Structured with educational goals in mind to encourage early interest in programming.

• Serves as a bridge to more advanced languages like Python and Java.