About the challenge
Programming languages shape the way we solve problems. At Syntax Summit, we're challenging you to go one step further—not just write code, but create the language itself.
Your mission is to design and build a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) that simplifies solving problems within a specific domain. Whether it's Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Finance, Healthcare, Education, Cybersecurity, Game Development, Automation, IoT, or any other specialized field, your language should make complex tasks more intuitive, expressive, and efficient.
Your submission may include:
- A custom programming language or DSL
- A parser, interpreter, transpiler, or compiler
- Documentation explaining the language's syntax and purpose
- Sample programs demonstrating its capabilities
- A real-world use case that highlights its value
Participation is open to individuals; solo entries are totally fine. However, teaming up with others is also encouraged, as some of the best projects come from two people with completely different skills working together.
Requirements
Your language should solve a meaningful problem, demonstrate a clear design philosophy, and include enough implementation to showcase its capabilities. Creativity, usability, and technical innovation are highly encouraged.
What to Submit
- Project Repository
- Working Demonstration: Submit a video (up to 5 minutes) demonstrating the language in action, its key features, and how users interact with it.
Prizes
- Best User Experience: Awarded to the project that delivers the most intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable experience for its users.
- Most Innovative DSL: Awarded to the project that demonstrates the highest level of creativity and originality in designing a Domain-Specific Language (DSL).
- Best Compiler: Awarded to the project that demonstrates exceptional compiler design and implementation.
- Best Interpreter: Awarded to the project that demonstrates excellence in interpreter design and implementation.
- Future of Programming Award: Awarded to the project that presents the most visionary and forward-thinking approach to programming language design.
- Best Technical Implementation: Awarded to the project that demonstrates outstanding engineering and technical excellence.
Judging Criteria
- Innovation & Originality (25 points): Does the project introduce a novel idea or approach? Does the DSL solve a unique or meaningful problem? Is the concept creative and forward-thinking?
- Technical Implementation (25 points): Quality and complexity of the implementation. Correctness of the parser, interpreter, compiler, or transpiler.
- Language Design (20 points): Is the syntax intuitive and consistent? Does the language effectively address its target domain?
- Documentation & Presentation (10 points): Clarity of documentation. Ease of setup and usage.
- Real-World Impact (15 points): Could the language be adopted or extended in real-world applications?
- User Experience (5 points): Developer experience and usability.