v1.0.0 · transpiles to JavaScript

Code that
reads like English.

CodeScript is a lightweight, readable language that compiles straight to clean JavaScript. It swaps confusing syntax for plain-English keywords, so beginners can focus on learning logic instead of fighting the language.

Get started Browse the keyword reference

Node.js 18+ runtime MIT license 34 plain-English keywords

animal.code

CodeScript

JavaScript output

Why CodeScript

Every keyword says what it does.

JavaScript's syntax carries a lot of history. CodeScript keeps the language's power and removes the jargon, one keyword at a time.

ProblemCodeScript solution

console.log is confusing

Use say instead

let, const, var are unclear

Use make and fixed

function keyword is verbose

Use do

this is confusing

Use me

try/catch/finally is intimidating

Use attempt/oops/done

new keyword feels magical

Use create

null and undefined are unclear

Use empty and unknown

Quick start

Install, write, run.

Requires Node.js 18 or higher. Three commands and you're compiling.

Install the CLI

terminal

npm install -g @jishaanyazmi/code-script

Write your first file

hello.code

say("Hello, World!")

Run it

terminal

codescript hello.code

# Output
Hello, World!

CLI reference

Commands you'll actually use.

codescript <file.code>Compile and run a file

codescript build <file.code>Compile only — outputs a .js file

codescript watch <file.code>Watch for changes and recompile automatically

codescript initScaffold a new CodeScript project

codescript --versionShow the installed version

codescript --helpShow usage information

Under the hood

One file, seven stages.

Every .code file passes through the same pipeline before it reaches Node.js.

Lexer

Converts characters into tokens

Parser

Converts tokens into an AST

AST

Abstract syntax tree — the program's structure

Semantic analyzer

Validates scope, types, and rules

Optimizer

Constant folding, dead code removal

JS generator

Emits clean, readable JavaScript

Node.js

Executes the generated output

Playground

Try it without installing anything.

Pick a preset or start typing. Presets show the exact output from the docs; your own edits run through a simplified live preview.

Edit CodeScript

Output

The live preview handles the keyword table and common patterns; the real compiler in the CLI is the source of truth for anything more complex.

Keyword reference

Every keyword, side by side with JavaScript.

Keyword	JavaScript	Description	Category
`make`	`let`	Declares a mutable variable	Variables
`fixed`	`const`	Declares an immutable constant — must be initialized	Variables
`keep`	`var`	Legacy variable — function scoped, avoid in new code	Variables
`do`	`function`	Declares a reusable function	Functions
`give`	`return`	Returns a value from a function	Functions
`later`	`async`	Marks a function as asynchronous	Functions
`wait`	`await`	Waits for an async operation to complete	Functions
`say`	`console.log`	Prints a value to the console	Output
`check`	`if`	Executes a block when the condition is true	Conditions
`otherwise`	`else`	Executes when the `check` condition is false	Conditions
`pick`	`switch`	Selects one path from multiple options	Conditions
`when`	`case`	Defines a single case inside a `pick` block	Conditions
`anyway`	`default`	The fallback case inside a `pick` block	Conditions
`repeat`	`for`	Repeats a block a set number of times	Loops
`until`	`while`	Repeats while a condition is true	Loops
`stop`	`break`	Exits the nearest loop immediately	Loops
`skip`	`continue`	Skips the current iteration and continues	Loops
`type`	`class`	Declares a class	Classes & OOP
`from`	`extends`	Inherits from a parent class	Classes & OOP
`create`	`new`	Creates a new instance of a class	Classes & OOP
`me`	`this`	Refers to the current object instance	Classes & OOP
`parent`	`super`	Calls the parent class constructor or method	Classes & OOP
`shared`	`static`	Declares a static method or property	Classes & OOP
`mine`	`private`	Marks a member as private	Classes & OOP
`everyone`	`public`	Marks a member as public	Classes & OOP
`family`	`protected`	Marks a member as protected	Classes & OOP
`attempt`	`try`	Wraps code that might throw an error	Error handling
`oops`	`catch`	Handles the error if one is thrown	Error handling
`panic`	`throw`	Throws an error and stops execution	Error handling
`done`	`finally`	Always runs after attempt/oops, error or not	Error handling
`grab`	`import`	Imports code from another `.code` file	Modules
`share`	`export`	Exports variables, functions, or classes	Modules
`yes`	`true`	Boolean true value	Boolean & null
`no`	`false`	Boolean false value	Boolean & null
`empty`	`null`	Represents an intentionally absent value	Boolean & null
`unknown`	`undefined`	Represents an uninitialized value	Boolean & null
`kind`	`typeof`	Returns the type of a value as a string	Utility
`is`	`instanceof`	Checks if an object is an instance of a class	Utility
`remove`	`delete`	Deletes a property from an object	Utility

No keywords match your search.

Full example

Variables to classes, in one file.

A single program touching every part of the language, and the JavaScript it produces.

complete.code

// Variables
make name = "Zishan"
fixed PI = 3.14

// Function
do greet(person){
    say("Hello " + person)
    give person
}

greet(name)

// Condition
check(PI > 3){
    say("PI is greater than 3")
}otherwise{
    say("PI is small")
}

// Loop
repeat(make i = 1; i < 4; i++){
    say(i)
}

// Array
make fruits = ["Apple", "Banana", "Orange"]
say(fruits[0])

// Object
make user = { name: "Alex", age: 20 }
say(user.name)

// Class
type Animal{
    do constructor(name){
        me.name = name
    }
    do speak(){
        say("I am " + me.name)
    }
}

type Dog from Animal{
    do constructor(name){
        parent(name)
    }
}

make dog = create Dog("Rex")
dog.speak()

// Error Handling
attempt{
    panic "something went wrong"
}oops(err){
    say(err)
}done{
    say("finished")
}

Output

Hello Zishan
PI is greater than 3
1
2
3
Apple
Alex
I am Rex
something went wrong
finished

Developer experience

Errors that tell you what to do next.

Every compiler error includes the file, line, column, and a suggested fix — no stack-trace archaeology required.

SyntaxError

File: hello.code
Line: 12
Column: 8
Message: Expected '}' but found ')'
Suggestion: Close the previous block before ending the function.