Hylo

Note, the Hylo compiler is in an early phase of development, so expect things to break. If you noitce issues, please submit either for the Hylo compiler or for the VSCode extension. if it's a known issue by searching for it.

If you want to get involved with developing Hylo, please reach out via Slack.

Setting Up Your Environment

First-Time Setup

1. Install the Hylo Compiler
   • You will need to build the compiler from sources. For this, the recommended approach is to use development containers and VSCode.
   • Check the instructions at https://github.com/hylo-lang/hylo
2. Install the Extension

• Install this extension. If you are working inside the Hylo devcontainer, it should be installed automatically.

3. Set Up Compilation Using Command Template (Recommended):

• Open VSCode Settings (Ctrl+, or File > Preferences > Settings) - Search for "Hylo" - Enable hylo.useCommandTemplate - Configure hylo.commandTemplate to match your setup. For example:
  • Default: hc ${ARGS} (assumes the compiler is in your PATH)
  • Example with Swift: swift run hc ${ARGS}

4. Alternative: Configure the Compiler Path:

• If you have built the compiler and prefer direct usage:
  • Open VSCode Settings (Ctrl+, or File > Preferences > Settings)
  • Search for "Hylo"
  • Set hylo.compilerPath to the path of your Hylo compiler
  • Example with absolute path: C:\hylo\bin\hc or /usr/local/bin/hc

Project Configuration

Create a .vscode/launch.json or add it using the Debug: Add configuration action.

{
  "version": "0.2.0",
  "configurations": [
    {
      "type": "hylo",
      "request": "launch",
      "name": "Run Hylo Module",
      "program": "${workspaceFolder}/MyHyloModule",
      "isFolder": true
    },
    {
      "type": "hylo",
      "request": "launch",
      "name": "Run Hylo File",
      "program": "${workspaceFolder}/main.hylo"
    }
  ]
}

Common Workflows

Single-File Development

Perfect for learning Hylo or creating small examples:

1. Create a new file with .hylo extension
2. Write your Hylo code
3. Run it directly with:
   • The play button in the editor title area
   • Right-click → "Hylo: Run Current File"
   • Ctrl+Shift+P → "Hylo: Run Current File"

Example workflow for a "Hello World" program:

1. Create hello.hylo:

   fun main() {
     print("Hello, Hylo!")
   }
   

2. Click the play button in the editor title
3. See output in the "Hylo" output panel

Multi-File Projects

For more complex projects with multiple Hylo files:

1. Organize your files into folders
2. Right-click on a folder → "Hylo: Compile and Run Folder"
3. Or set up a launch configuration for consistent debugging:

   {
     "type": "hylo",
     "request": "launch",
     "name": "Run Project",
     "program": "${workspaceFolder}/src",
     "isFolder": true
   }
   

Custom Compiler Path

{
  "type": "hylo",
  "request": "launch",
  "name": "Debug with Development Compiler",
  "program": "${file}",
  "compilerPath": "${workspaceFolder}/dev-tools/hc"
}

Further Help

The language and this extension are in very early in their development. If you encounter any issues:

1. Check the GitHub repository for updates
2. File issues for bugs or feature requests
3. Consult the Hylo language documentation for language-specific questions