Language Overview

Devlish is designed to make executable rules and workflows readable to the people who need to review them. It uses a controlled subset of English: phrases such as If, For each, and Respond with have defined syntax and behavior. Writing a program means specifying its steps explicitly.

That design is useful when a calculation or decision needs to be inspected and repeated. A language model can be called at a chosen step, but ordinary statements execute according to the compiled program without model interpretation.

How to read a Devlish program

A .dvl file normally contains one statement per line. Indentation groups steps inside a condition or loop. Variables hold intermediate values, records hold named fields, and lists hold ordered collections. External operations such as file reads and model calls depend on the runtime hosting the program.

Syntax Basics introduces those building blocks. If you would prefer to run a complete example first, follow the Quick Start.

Find the topic you need

• Learn the foundation with syntax, values and variables, and control flow.
• Work with data through collections, numbers, patterns, and dates.
• Check inputs and return results with validation and structured output.
• Connect to outside systems with files, HTTP, models, and local tools.
• Organize larger programs with modules and methods.

Using reference examples

A statement example shows a complete operation. An expression example shows only a calculation or helper, such as map names to trim item; use it after equals, Print, or Respond with. Topic pages explain which form they show. Complete workflow examples include the assignments and control flow needed to connect the steps.