Syntax Reference

BigC uses a unique "Grammar" to separate actions, destinations, and values.

1. Variables

In BigC, variables are created simply by assigning a value to a name. You do not need to declare types.

Assignment

Strings: Name = "John"
Numbers: Price = 10.50
Math: get Price 1 + & set as {NewPrice}

Rules

Variable names must start with a letter.
They are case-sensitive.
Numeric variables can be assigned directly (X = 10) or via calculation (set as {X}).

2. String Interpolation

Use the $ symbol to inject variables into text.

print "Hello $Name"
print "Your balance is ${Credits}!"

Variable Interpolation (The Warp)

Standard assignment (Name = "Val") creates literal strings. To inject variables into a new variable, use get warp.

get warp "Hello $Name" & set as {Greeting}

3. The Type System (Automatic Coercion)

BigC is designed to be "Textbook Simple," so it handles most type conversions automatically.

String to Number

When you use a string variable in a math operation (get, if, etc.), the engine automatically attempts to parse it as a number.

If the string is "10", it becomes the number 10.0.
If the string is not a valid number (e.g., "Hello"), it defaults to 0.0.

Example:

X = "10"
Y = 5
get X Y + & set as {Result}
# Result is 15

Implicit Conversion Hacks

While BigC doesn't require explicit "cast" commands, you can force a type change using these patterns:

Force to Number (Plus Zero): get StringVal 0 + & set as {NumericVar}
Force to String (The Warp): get warp "$NumericVal" & set as {StringVar}

4. The Grammar Symbols

`&` (The Connector)

The & symbol is the bridge between a Cause and an Effect. It allows you to chain multiple commands or conditions on a single line.

get 1 1 + & set as {Result} (Calculate AND Save)
if X > 10 & print "Big!" (Check AND Action)

`{}` (The Container)

Wraps an output variable name. This tells the engine: "Put the result inside this box."

set as {Var}

`@` (The Target)

Points to a destination, such as a physical file, a Data Map, or a search source.

write "Text" @"file.txt"
look for "h1" @Response

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