MetaForge-Compiler

MetaForge Compiler (MFC) is the native compiler for the MetaForge programming language, designed to provide efficient and seamless compilation for your MetaForge projects. It supports cross-platform compilation and offers various options to customize the output.

Features

• Native compilation for the MetaForge language.
• Support for cross-platform targets (e.g., Windows, Linux, MacOS and FreeBSD system like Ps* system).
• Adjustable architecture options (e.g., x64, ARM).
• Verbose output for debugging and monitoring the compilation process.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

Ensure you have Python installed on your system (Python 3.13 or higher is recommended).

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/seregonwar/MetaForge-Compiler.git
   cd MetaForge-Compiler

2. Install the required Python dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

To compile a MetaForge source file, use the following command structure:

python src/compile_metaforge.py <source_file> -o <output_file> [options]

Example Command

The following example compiles a MetaForge file named hello_world.mf:

python src/compile_metaforge.py examples/hello_world.mf -o build/hello_world.exe --platform windows --arch x64 -v

Command Breakdown:

• <source_file>: Path to the MetaForge source file to compile (e.g., examples/hello_world.mf).
• -o <output_file>: Specifies the output file path (e.g., build/hello_world.exe).
• --platform: Sets the target platform (windows, linux, etc.).
• --arch: Specifies the architecture (x64, x86, arm).
• -v: Enables verbose output for additional compilation details.

Additional Options

Run the following command to view all available options:

python src/compile_metaforge.py --help

Compilation Methods in MetaForge

MetaForge provides three compilation methods, each tailored to specific project needs.

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1. Native Compilation

• Description: Uses MetaForge’s native compiler to directly convert .mf files into .exe executables.
• Features:
  • Direct compilation without intermediaries.
  • Pros: Maximum stability, high performance, and secure output.
  • Use Case: Best suited for standalone programs and native applications.

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2. Compilation via GCC

• Description: Utilizes the GCC compiler through a multi-step process:
  1. Converts the .mf file into an intermediate C file.
  2. Compiles the C file into libraries (DLL) or object files (Obj).
  3. Optionally links the object files to produce an executable.
• Features:
  • Pros: Ideal for creating support libraries or reusable components.
  • Cons: Not recommended for complete programs due to reduced stability and security compared to native compilation.
  • Use Case: Useful for building add-ons or ensuring interoperability with C-based projects.

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3. Compilation via Python

• Description: Similar to the GCC method but uses Python as the intermediary language.
  • Python translates the .mf file into executable or web-compatible code, with some performance trade-offs.
  • Since Python is a higher-level language than MetaForge and C, this results in a performance drop (up to 70% of MetaForge’s potential).
• Features:
  • Pros: Essential for web applications and compatible with technologies such as WebAssembly.
  • Cons: Higher overhead and lower performance compared to other methods.
  • Use Case: Designed to enable MetaForge in web environments and applications requiring online integration.

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Example Directory Structure

MetaForge-Compiler/
├── examples/
│   └── hello_world.mf       # Example MetaForge program
├── src/
│   └── compile_metaforge.py # Compiler script
├── build/                   # Output directory (generated after compilation)
├── requirements.txt         # Python dependencies
└── readme.md                # Documentation

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! If you'd like to improve the compiler or add new features, feel free to fork the repository and submit a pull request.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. For commercial use of the MetaForge language, consult the license terms included in the MetaForge specification.