Pict-Syntax-Highlighting
Minimal but practical syntax highlighting and snippets for the Pict language (π-calculus style).
Features
Syntax Highlighting
- Block comments
{- … -}
- Keywords:
run new def and type val if then else import
- Numbers (Int & Float — need
import "Std/Float")
- Strings, chars, and operators
! ? | = ; @
- Record labels and method names (including symbolic ones like
+ =, == =) highlighted inside [ ... ]
- Type modifiers: channel
^T, responsive /T
Snippets
Basic Syntax Templates
def – Define a process or servernew – Create a channelrun – Launch a concurrent blockif – Conditional structure
Standard Library Call Templates
Now includes English-style call templates for the standard library modules:
| Module |
Example Call Snippet |
Description |
| Int |
(int.+ (1) (2)) |
Integer arithmetic & comparisons |
| Float |
(float.== (float.fromInt 1) (float.fromInt 2)) |
Floating-point arithmetic, comparison, trigonometric functions |
| Char |
(char.isAlpha ('a')) |
Character tests and conversions |
| String |
(string.split (",") ("a,b,c")) |
String manipulation & conversion |
| List |
(list.fold (xs) \(x acc) = (nextAcc) (initAcc)) |
List construction, traversal & folding |
Each snippet shows the call form and parameter placeholders (e.g., left, right, or default arguments) for faster writing and clearer semantics.
Modular Snippet Organization
Snippets are now organized into multiple JSON files under the snippets/ folder:
snippets/
├─ base.json ← basic syntax snippets (def/new/run/if)
├─ int.json ← integer operation templates
├─ float.json ← float operation templates
├─ char.json ← character operation templates
├─ string.json ← string operation templates
└─ list.json ← list operation templates
All are declared in package.json so they load automatically.
File Associations
Install (from VSIX)
- Open VS Code → Extensions (
Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+X).
- Click
… (More) → Install from VSIX…
- Choose the packaged
.vsix file or unzip the release folder into
~/.vscode/extensions/pict-syntax-highlighting.
Sample
Try sample/test.pict to verify syntax colors and snippet expansions.
Tuning & Extension
If you want more precise highlighting (e.g., typed parameters, booleans encoded via channels, Nomadic Pict keywords), extend
syntaxes/pict.tmLanguage.json with additional patterns.
To add or modify snippets, simply edit files under snippets/ or add new ones in the same format — VS Code merges them automatically.
