# SomonScript Explanation

Understanding-oriented documentation that clarifies and illuminates the design
and concepts behind SomonScript.

## Overview

This section helps you understand _why_ SomonScript works the way it does. These
explanations provide context, background, and deeper insights into the language
design and implementation.

## Available Guides

### **[🏛️ Architecture Guide](architecture.md)**

System design principles and architectural decisions behind SomonScript.

### **[🧪 Testing Guide](testing.md)**

Quality assurance methodology and comprehensive testing strategies.

## Understanding SomonScript

### Language Philosophy

#### Localization Without Compromise

SomonScript was designed with the principle that developers should be able to
program in their native language without sacrificing functionality or
performance. Every JavaScript feature is available through natural Tajik
Cyrillic syntax.

#### Type Safety as a Foundation

Rather than bolting on types as an afterthought, SomonScript was built from the
ground up with a sophisticated type system. This enables catching errors at
compile time while maintaining the flexibility developers expect.

#### JavaScript Ecosystem Integration

SomonScript doesn't try to replace the JavaScript ecosystem—it embraces it.
Generated code is clean, readable JavaScript that works seamlessly with existing
tools and libraries.

### Design Decisions

#### Why Compile to JavaScript?

1. **Ecosystem Access**: Immediate access to npm packages and browser APIs
2. **Deployment Simplicity**: No new runtime required
3. **Performance**: Leverage years of JavaScript optimization
4. **Familiarity**: Developers can understand generated code

#### Why Static Typing?

1. **Early Error Detection**: Catch mistakes before runtime
2. **Better Tooling**: Enable intelligent code completion and refactoring
3. **Self-Documenting Code**: Types serve as living documentation
4. **Confidence**: Refactor safely in large codebases

#### Why Structural Typing?

```som
// Structural typing allows flexibility
интерфейс Корбар {
    ном: сатр;
}

интерфейс Шахс {
    ном: сатр;
    синну_сол: рақам;
}

// Шахс automatically implements Корбар
// because it has all required properties
функсия салом_кардан(корбар: Корбар): сатр {
    бозгашт "Салом, " + корбар.ном;
}

тағйирёбанда шахс: Шахс = { ном: "Анвар", синну_сол: 30 };
салом_кардан(шахс); // Works automatically
```

### Implementation Concepts

#### Compiler Pipeline

The SomonScript compiler follows a traditional multi-phase design:

1. **Lexical Analysis**: Convert source text to tokens
2. **Parsing**: Build Abstract Syntax Tree (AST)
3. **Semantic Analysis**: Type checking and symbol resolution
4. **Code Generation**: Emit JavaScript code

This separation of concerns makes the compiler:

- **Maintainable**: Each phase has clear responsibilities
- **Extensible**: New features can be added systematically
- **Debuggable**: Issues can be isolated to specific phases

#### Type System Design

SomonScript implements a structural type system with:

**Type Inference**:

```som
// Type inferred as string
тағйирёбанда ном = "Анвар";

// Type inferred as (number, number) => number
тағйирёбанда ҷамъ = (а, б) => а + б;
```

**Union Types**:

```som
// Value can be either type
тағйирёбанда маълумот: сатр | рақам = getUserInput();
```

**Generic Types**:

```som
// Reusable type-safe containers
функсия якхела<T>(элемент: T): T {
    бозгашт элемент;
}
```

#### Module System Architecture

The module system balances flexibility with performance:

- **Static Analysis**: Dependencies are resolved at compile time
- **Tree Shaking**: Unused exports are eliminated
- **Circular Detection**: Prevents infinite dependency loops
- **Caching**: Modules are compiled once and cached

### Language Evolution

#### Version Strategy

SomonScript follows semantic versioning with specific policies:

- **Major Versions**: Breaking changes, new language features
- **Minor Versions**: New features, backward compatible
- **Patch Versions**: Bug fixes, performance improvements

#### Backward Compatibility

Where possible, SomonScript maintains compatibility across versions:

```som
// Old syntax continues to work
тағйирёбанда ном = "Анвар";

// New features are additive
тағйирёбанда маълумот: сатр | рақам = "test";
```

#### Feature Development Process

New features follow a structured process:

1. **RFC (Request for Comments)**: Community discussion
2. **Prototype**: Experimental implementation
3. **Beta Release**: Community testing
4. **Stable Release**: Production ready

### Performance Considerations

#### Compilation Speed

Design decisions that optimize compilation:

- **Single Pass**: Many operations done in one AST traversal
- **Incremental**: Only recompile changed modules
- **Parallel**: Type checking can be parallelized
- **Caching**: Parsed ASTs and type information cached

#### Generated Code Quality

SomonScript generates clean JavaScript:

```som
// SomonScript
функсия ҳисоб_кардан(а: рақам, б: рақам): рақам {
    бозгашт а + б;
}
```

```javascript
// Generated JavaScript
function ҳисоб_кардан(а, б) {
  return а + б;
}
```

The generated code is:

- **Readable**: Developers can understand output
- **Debuggable**: Source maps enable debugging
- **Optimizable**: JavaScript engines can optimize effectively

### Educational Value

#### Learning Programming Concepts

SomonScript serves as an educational tool:

- **Native Language Syntax**: Reduces cognitive overhead
- **Type Safety**: Teaches good programming practices
- **Error Messages**: Clear feedback for learning

#### Professional Development

Features that support professional growth:

- **Static Analysis**: Catches errors before runtime
- **Refactoring Support**: Safe code restructuring
- **Documentation**: Types serve as documentation
- **Tooling**: Intelligent IDE support

### Community and Ecosystem

#### Open Source Philosophy

SomonScript embraces open source principles:

- **Transparent Development**: All discussions public
- **Community Contributions**: Welcoming to contributors
- **Collaborative Decision Making**: RFC process for major changes
- **Educational Mission**: Helping developers learn

#### Ecosystem Integration

Rather than creating a separate ecosystem:

- **NPM Compatibility**: Works with existing packages
- **Tool Integration**: Supports existing build tools
- **Standard Compliance**: Follows web standards
- **Migration Path**: Easy adoption from JavaScript

### Future Directions

#### Planned Enhancements

Areas of active development:

- **Performance**: Faster compilation and smaller bundles
- **Tooling**: Better IDE support and debugging
- **Language Features**: Pattern matching, algebraic types
- **Ecosystem**: More library integrations

#### Research Areas

Longer-term investigations:

- **Effect Systems**: Track side effects in type system
- **Macro System**: Compile-time code generation
- **Formal Verification**: Mathematical proof of correctness
- **Optimization**: Advanced compilation techniques

### Conclusion

SomonScript represents a balance between:

- **Accessibility** and **Power**
- **Familiarity** and **Innovation**
- **Simplicity** and **Sophistication**
- **Local Needs** and **Global Standards**

The goal is not to replace JavaScript, but to make programming more accessible
to Tajik-speaking developers while maintaining all the benefits of the modern
web platform.

---

These explanations help you understand the _why_ behind SomonScript. For
practical guidance, see:

- [Tutorial](../tutorial/) - Learning SomonScript step by step
- [How-to Guides](../how-to/) - Solving specific problems
- [Reference](../reference/) - Complete syntax documentation
