ProtoLang is a procedural programming language implemented in C, engineered to bridge the gap between human logic and machine execution. By prioritizing architectural clarity over syntactical complexity, it provides a streamlined environment for algorithmic development via a modern, web-based IDE.
In linguistics, a proto-language represents the original form before languages diverged and accumulated unique features. Similarly, ProtoLang represents algorithmic thinking in its purest form—the fundamental concept of step-by-step logical procedures that existed before programming languages added their own syntactic styles, paradigms, and complexities. While C, Python, and Java each evolved their own features (object-oriented programming, dynamic typing, garbage collection), ProtoLang preserves the core: variables, types, memory, control flow, and functions. Learning ProtoLang means learning the universal logic that all procedural languages share, making the transition to any production language a matter of learning syntax rather than relearning concepts.
Utilizing C for the ProtoLang runtime ensures hardware-level portability and a near-zero execution footprint. This foundation enables the language to operate across diverse environments—from resource-constrained embedded systems to high-performance cloud backends—without the latency or overhead associated with heavy virtual machines or automatic garbage collectors.
The IDE serves as a centralized state manager for an otherwise stateless runtime. It facilitates code entry and tracks local variable states, communicating with the backend interpreter via a high-efficiency, HTTP-based transport layer. This design allows for a full development lifecycle without the need for local toolchain installations.
Traditional execution environments often store session data on the server. In contrast, the ProtoLang backend is entirely ephemeral; it receives the current execution state from the client, processes the instruction set, and returns the updated state immediately. This architecture makes ProtoLang natively optimized for Serverless (FaaS) deployments and horizontally scalable distributed systems.
ProtoLang employs a deterministic, explicit memory management model. Through the NEW and DELETE commands, developers maintain total control over resource allocation. This approach eliminates unpredictable garbage collection pauses, ensuring transparent and consistent execution timing.
To accommodate different developmental needs, ProtoLang supports a flexible syntax toggle. Developers may use "Short Syntax" for rapid prototyping (utilizing symbols like = and ;) or "Long Syntax" for educational clarity (using natural-language tokens like EQUAL TO and). Both modes compile to the same internal representation.
ProtoLang is currently in Version 1.0-beta. It exists as a functional architectural experiment designed to explore the technical boundaries of client-managed state. While fully operational, it is intended primarily for research, educational exploration, and architectural peer review.
Version 1.0-beta supports procedural programming with functions, loops, and conditionals. Advanced features like arrays and object-oriented programming are planned for future releases.
Mark M. Thoms is a Software Developer and the primary architect of the ProtoLang ecosystem.
Dedicated to making systems engineering more accessible, Mark develops tools that expose the underlying mechanics of computing. The creation of the ProtoLang runtime serves as an exploration into the synergy between stateless backend architectures and deterministic memory management—reimagining high-level systems concepts for the modern web.
This work is centered on reducing the friction between human intent and system response. By championing transparent, robust, and meticulously documented technology, Mark seeks to foster an environment where software engineering fundamentals can be mastered without the interference of opaque abstractions.
For inquiries, feedback, or technical support:
Mark Thoms
[email protected]