From e2ad04b692cbb455d2613b279e513b2b61493659 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Christian Lincoln <cl1925@ic.ac.uk>
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2026 23:35:41 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] Still working on standards.

---
 README.md                 |   2 +-
 archive/nelli.lua         | 327 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 note => archive/note0.txt |   0
 archive/note1.txt         | 159 ++++++++++++++++++
 archive/note2.txt         |  19 +++
 helper.lua                |   2 +-
 interpret.lua             |  42 ++++-
 main.lua                  | 222 ++------------------------
 nel/helper.nel            |  23 +++
 nel/lc.nel                |  14 ++
 nel/translator/cxx.nel    |   3 +
 nel/translator/main.nel   |  14 ++
 nel/ui.nel                |   6 +
 nelli                     |   9 ++
 nelli.lua                 | 299 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 nex.nel                   |   6 +
 parse.lua                 | 129 +++++++++++++--
 test.nel                  |   4 +-
 18 files changed, 1046 insertions(+), 234 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 archive/nelli.lua
 rename note => archive/note0.txt (100%)
 create mode 100644 archive/note1.txt
 create mode 100644 archive/note2.txt
 create mode 100644 nel/helper.nel
 create mode 100644 nel/lc.nel
 create mode 100644 nel/translator/cxx.nel
 create mode 100644 nel/translator/main.nel
 create mode 100644 nel/ui.nel
 create mode 100755 nelli
 create mode 100644 nelli.lua
 create mode 100644 nex.nel

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 316c443..6c996ff 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 # neli
 
-A silly language for silly people to understand smart things.
\ No newline at end of file
+A silly language to help silly people understand silly things.
diff --git a/archive/nelli.lua b/archive/nelli.lua
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f326803
--- /dev/null
+++ b/archive/nelli.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,327 @@
+require("interpret")
+
+function B(scope,abstract,callback)
+  scope:insert(
+    Binding(
+      interpret(abstract),
+      callback
+    )
+  )
+end 
+function R(scope,expression,chain,name)
+  name = name or "?"
+  assert_meta(Expression)(expression,"Arg 'expression' #2: %s")
+  assert_meta(Chain)(chain,"Arg 'chain' #3: %s")
+  local chain = Chain(expression:link(name)):from(chain)
+  return scope:run(expression,chain,scope)
+end
+
+NelliScope = Scope()
+local ns = NelliScope
+B(ns,"print (text)",function(s,e,c)
+  log(R(s,e.text,c,"print: text"))
+end)
+B(ns,"text (literal)",function(s,e,c)
+  return e.literal:text()
+end)
+-- Replace all :text() occurrences with ones in 'exp_map'
+local function substitute(target,exp_map)
+  local text = target:text()
+  if text then -- Replace the parameter
+    local map = exp_map[text]
+    if map then
+      return Expression({map})
+    else
+      return target
+    end
+  else
+    local new = Expression()
+    for sub in iterate(target.items) do
+      local t = type_of(sub)
+      if t == "string" then
+        new:insert(sub)
+      elseif t == Expression then
+        new:insert(substitute(sub,exp_map))
+      end
+    end
+    return new
+  end
+end
+-- Iterate over all :text() occurrences
+local function traverse(expression,callback)
+  for sub in iterate(expression.items) do
+    if type_of("sub") == Expression then
+      traverse(sub,callback)
+    else
+      callback(sub)
+    end
+  end
+end
+local function Bmeans(s,e,c)
+  local scope
+  if e.scope then
+    scope = R(s,e.scope,c,"means: using: scope: %s")
+  end
+  local bound = {}
+  for sub in iterate(e.abstract.items) do
+    local t = type_of(sub)
+    if t == Expression then
+      local text = sub:text()
+      if not text:match("'.+'") then
+        --[[error(string.format(
+          "nel: Abstract parameter \"%s\" not in 'quotes'.",
+          text
+        ))]]
+      else
+        table.insert(bound,text)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+  return Binding(e.abstract,function(_s,_e,_c)
+    local map = {}
+    for binding in iterate(bound) do
+      map[binding] = _e[binding]
+    end
+    local expanded = substitute(e.expression,map)
+    return R(scope or _s,expanded,_c,"means: "..tostring(expanded))
+  end)
+end
+B(ns,"(abstract) means (expression) using (scope)",Bmeans)
+local function Bdo(s,e,c)
+  local scope
+  if e.scope then
+    scope = R(s,e.scope,c,"do: scope")
+  else
+    scope = Scope()
+    scope.parent = s
+  end
+  local res
+  for item in iterate(e.expressions.items) do
+    if type_of(item) ~= Expression then 
+      error(
+        string.format(
+          "Unexpected words '%s' in 'do' expression.",
+          tostring(item)
+        )
+      )
+    end
+    res = R(scope,item,c,"do: line")
+  end
+  return res
+end
+B(ns,"do (expressions)",Bdo)
+B(ns,"do (expression) in (scope)",function(s,e,c)
+  local scope = R(s,e.scope,c,"do: scope")
+  assert_meta(Scope)(scope,"nel: (do: scope): %s")
+  R(scope,e.expression,c,"do: expression")
+end)
+B(ns,"error (text)",function(s,e,c)
+  error("nel: "..R(s,e.text,c,"error: message"))
+end)
+B(ns,"if (predicate) then (expression)",function(s,e,c)
+  if R(s,e.predicate,c,"if: predicate") then
+    return R(s,e.expression,c,"if: result")
+  end
+end)
+B(ns,"true",function(s,e,c) return true end)
+B(ns,"false",function(s,e,c) return false end)
+B(ns,"constant (constant) = (expression)",function(s,e,c)
+  local value = R(s,e.expression,c,"constant: expression")
+  e.constant:text()
+  s:insert(
+    Binding(e.constant,function(s,e,c)
+      return value
+    end)
+  )
+end)
+B(ns,"format (string) with (terms)",function(s,e,c)
+  local items = {}
+  for expression in iterate(e.terms.items) do
+    table.insert(items,R(s,expression),c,"format: term")
+  end
+  return string.format(
+    R(s,e.string,c,"format: string"),
+    table.unpack(items)
+  )
+end)
+B(ns,"while (predicate) (expression)",function(s,e,c)
+  while R(s,e.predicate,c,"while: predicate") do
+    R(s,e.expression,c,"while: loop")
+  end
+end)
+B(ns,"repeat (expression) while (predicate)",function(s,e,c)
+  while true do
+    R(s,e.expression,c,"repeat: expression")
+    if not R(s,e.predicate,c,"repeat: predicate") then
+      break
+    end
+  end
+end)
+B(ns,"repeat (expression) until (predicate)",function(s,e,c)
+  while true do
+    R(s,e.expression,c,"repeat: expression")
+    if R(s,e.predicate,c,"repeat: predicate") then
+      break
+    end
+  end
+end)
+B(ns,"new table",function(s,e,c)
+  return {}
+end)
+B(ns,"(index) of (table)",function(s,e,c)
+  return (R(s,e.table,"of: index"))[R(s,e.index,c,"of: table")]
+end)
+B(ns,"set (index) of (table) to (item)",function(s,e,c)
+  R(s,e.table,c,"of-to: index")[R(s,e.index,c,"of-to: table")] = s:run(e.item,c,"of-to: item")
+end)
+B(ns,"remove (index) of (table)",function(s,e,c)
+  (R(s,e.table,"remove: table"))[R(s,e.index,c,"remove: index")] = nil
+end)
+B(ns,"nothing",function(s,e,c)
+  return nil
+end)
+--[[ Note
+A macro executes in the same scope of the callee.
+A defintion executes in the scope it was defined.
+I would argue that macros are more unpredictable!
+However, they allow for some very clean code.
+--]]
+B(ns,"here",function(s,e,c)
+  return s
+end)
+B(ns,"return (object)",function(s,e,c)
+  return R(s,e.object,c,"return: object")
+end)
+B(ns,"this scope",function(s,e,c)
+  return s
+end)
+B(ns,"in scope (scope) (expressions)",function(s,e,c)
+  return R(R(s,e.scope,c,"in scope: scope"),e.scope,c,"in scope: expression")
+end)
+
+local function Bdef(s,e,c)
+  if e.scope then
+    s = R(s,e.scope,c,"define: scope")
+  end
+  s:insert(Binding(e.abstract,function(_s,_e,_c)
+    local scope = Scope()
+    scope.parent = s
+    for identifier,expression in pairs(_e) do
+      scope:insert(
+        Binding(
+          Expression({identifier}),
+          R(_s,expression,_c,string.format(
+            "define: param: \"%s\"",
+            identifier
+          ))
+        )
+      )
+    end
+    return R(scope,e.expression,_c,string.format(
+            "define: expression:\n\t\t%s\n\t",
+            table.concat(c:flatten(),"\n\t")
+          ))
+  end))
+end
+B(ns,"define (abstract) as (expression)",Bdef)
+B(ns,"define (abstract) as (expression) in (scope)",Bdef)
+-- Create a constant binding
+B(ns,"(abstract) is (expression)",function(s,e,c)
+  local result = R(s,e.expression,c,"be: expression")
+  return Binding(e.abstract,result)
+end)
+-- Insert a binding into the current scope
+B(ns,"here (bindings)",function(s,e,c)
+  for meaning in e.binding:iterate() do
+    for sub in e.binding:iterate() do
+      local t = type_of(sub)
+      if t ~= Expression then
+        print(t,getmetatable(t))
+        error(string.format(
+          "nel: (here: bindings): %s%s\n\t%s",
+          "Expected subexpressions only got: ",
+          tostring(sub),
+          "Note: Are you using '{...}' style brackets?"
+        ))
+      else
+        local bind = R(s,sub,c,"here: binding")
+        assert_meta(Binding)(bind,"nel: (here: binding): %s")
+        s:insert(bind)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+end)
+-- Insert a binding into a scope
+B(ns,"in (scope) let (binding)",function(s,e,c)
+  assert_meta(Binding)(e.binding,"nel: (here: binding): %s")
+  assert_meta(Scope)(e.scope,"nel: (here: scope): %s")
+  R(s,e.scope,c,"let: scope"):insert(R(s,e.binding,c,"let: binding"))
+end)
+B(ns,[[
+define (abstract)
+as (expression)
+in (scope)
+using (parameter_scope)
+]],Bdef)
+local List = class("List")
+function List:new(...)
+  self.items = {...}
+end
+B(ns,"new list",function(s,e,c)
+  return List()
+end)
+B(ns,"insert (item) into (list)",function(s,e,c)
+  table.insert(R(s,e.list).items,R(s,e.item),c,c)
+end)
+B(ns,"insert (item) into (list) at (index)",function(s,e,c)
+  table.insert(s:evaulate(e.list).items,R(s,e.index),R(s,item),c,c)
+end)
+B(ns,"remove (needle) from (haystack)",function(s,e,c)
+  local tab = R(s,e.haystack,c)
+  table.remove(tab,table.find(tab,R(s,e.needle)),c)
+end)
+B(ns,"remove from (haystack) at (index)",function(s,e,c)
+  table.remove(R(s,e.list),R(s,e.index),c,c)
+end)
+-- Create a scope parented to the current scope as an object
+B(ns,"new scope here",function(s,e,c)
+  local scope = Scope
+  scope.parent = s
+  return scope 
+end)
+-- Create a scope with nothing in it as an object (weird)
+B(ns,"new scope",function(s,e,c)
+  return Scope()
+end)
+-- Read a file in the current directly, more for compiling
+B(ns,"read (path)",function(s,e,c)
+  return read(R(s,e.path,c,"read: path"))
+end)
+-- Take some text and interpret it into an expression
+B(ns,"include (text)",function(s,e,c)
+  return R(s,interpret(R(s,e.text,c,"include: source")),c,"include: result")
+end)
+
+interpret([[
+here {
+  (here ('name') is ('value'))
+    means
+  (here {
+    ('name') is ('value')
+  });
+
+  (here ('abstract') means ('expression'))
+    means
+  (here {
+    ('abstract') means ('expression')
+  });
+
+  (here ('abstract') means ('expression') using ('scope'))
+    means
+  (here {
+    ('abstract') means ('expression')
+  } using ('scope'))
+}
+]])
+
+return ns
diff --git a/note b/archive/note0.txt
similarity index 100%
rename from note
rename to archive/note0.txt
diff --git a/archive/note1.txt b/archive/note1.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5c63593
--- /dev/null
+++ b/archive/note1.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,159 @@
+
+taking expressions and parsing them later down?
+that seems slightly stupid.
+really, an expression is sort of a tree that
+hasn't been dealt with yet.
+is it really wise to keep passing them down as
+just that expression?
+otherwise it would have to be evaluated in the later
+scope.
+it makes more sense to sort of evaluate things
+as we go along.
+at the very least, every expression will always end
+up being 'something'.
+it just means that we need to execute different
+expressions in different contexts
+i guess.
+so 'meaning' becomes slightly more interesting here.
+i guess this would be where the macros fit.
+we could use a macro, which literally replaces
+a particular expression with another one, somehow, or
+maybe pass in some other sort of context to evaluate
+these things under. but that would evaluate everything
+that way.
+it would be nice if we could somehow refer to an
+expression as what it is expressed as, but also
+what it will be.
+
+i mean: let (render (elements)) mean (... do stuff ...)
+is great and all because i can now do:
+render (
+  box()
+)
+but then how about
+let (view) mean (box())
+and then render(view)
+
+that clearly does not work, but absolutely should be
+valid nel code.
+
+with equal pertinence, on the other hand we have:
+
+let (sum) mean (math (5 + 2))
+where math ()...
+
+hold on. i think i know why this is actually confusing
+me. it also connects quite well with how source code
+works.
+
+'mean' means 'copy the expression in place'
+somehow preserving the scope.
+but
+'be' means 'the literal value we want'
+
+which is, definitely rather odd. very odd.
+how is each one useful in their own right?
+
+i think, my issue is that im really struggling
+to see the direct separation between what we have
+defined in nel and what the compiled bits should be!
+
+code {
+  (number) means (int)
+  let (x) is a (number)
+  let (y) is a (number)
+  let (sum) is a (number), is (x + y)
+}
+
+i mean its weird. very weird.
+since the 'let' bits should really be interpreted by
+the 'code' expression to represent some local variables
+in source code!
+but then the 'means' bit quite literally breaks that idea
+in two because that isn't source code at all it's just
+doing its own thing really.
+we ideally want 'means' to be available everywhere?
+are there any situations where it is bad?
+and again, what about macros?
+so maybe back to html as a weird example
+
+ui {
+  
+  box()
+}
+
+i think i get it now.
+when you use 'means' you are creating a new binding in
+the scope that forces NEL to create a 'value' which
+is more a wrapper (or even a trap!) that calls that
+particular expression again in the parent scope.
+this IS that macro, and i think it is quite deadly.
+which makes me wonder, is this a good idea to have
+around? well, i'm not sure!
+
+in a lot of cases, this is actually very nice, because
+we can literally just functionally expand our ENTIRE
+program out as we please without any function overhead.
+note that this is bad for maintainability and code bloat.
+we also still have the power of a general routine, so this
+isn't all doom and gloom really.
+
+how weird.
+i think i am sort of ok knowing this now, even though
+i am now very much more confused than even before.
+
+however, this turns out to be very nice.
+
+so:
+(doeth (code)) means (do (code))
+
+right, crap. effectively here that entire idea doesn't
+really hold water simply because i need the candid 
+expression to be able to execute the nellie effectively.
+that's not entirely great is it now.
+
+'means' and 'do' operations themselves work over abstract
+nel anyways. this sum foolery indeed.
+so effectively, abstract nel doesnt like abstract nel,
+yes yes yes that makes complete sense actually.
+because with doubly abstract nel we cannot just say
+(action) means (print (text (fart)))
+and then literally
+do {
+  action;
+  action;
+  action;
+}
+or even worse have some sort of multiplicative expression.
+it's just not feasible you see!
+however, i now think i have a sort of idea.
+you see, with bindings, we can have values
+
+i have been thinking for a while and i am not sure if
+i can easily find some sort of solution to all of this.
+it's quite concerning really.
+
+do {}
+represents a list of expressions, how can we define this,
+just in pure NEL, to execute each statement.
+because, and i need to keep saying it, NEL should compile
+NEL, no?
+if EVERYTHING is written in NEL, then i surely should be
+allowed to write nel that can interpret expressions this
+way. it just feels incredibly stupid to not be able to.
+like what?
+all while being simple to understand. completely insane.
+COMPLETELY, insane.
+
+unless... just about unless.
+all expressions were functions.
+that promised to give back an expression.
+
+i realise now that my mind is very very weak.
+there is something missing from it. it's not about all the
+puzzles. it seems definition is trivial to everything.
+but this algorithm seems to me like a knot.
+its not a knot, i know there is a very clean solution,
+i just cant see it right now.
+i need to actually break things down into what i want first
+so i can see things as clearly as i possibly can
diff --git a/archive/note2.txt b/archive/note2.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d87690
--- /dev/null
+++ b/archive/note2.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+// My name is 'pal'
+/* Some sorcery for a query? */
+
+// There is an object which is me
+// There is an object 'pal' (how pronounce?)
+// I guess a 'written as' branch
+
+/* Notes:
+Queries can create queries (are they called 'queries'?)
+They specify a general scenario.
+Can they have constants? Are those constants branches?
+*/
+
+// wtf ^
+
+/* From DMLR
+there was self referencing logic.
+quantifiers over general objects
+*/
diff --git a/helper.lua b/helper.lua
index 1ea4e70..f93d9c3 100644
--- a/helper.lua
+++ b/helper.lua
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ end
 
 -- Iterate (ipairs without the index)
 function iterate(...)
-  local iterator,tab,i = pairs(...)
+  local iterator,tab,i = ipairs(...)
   return function(...)
     local index,item = iterator(tab,i)
     i = index
diff --git a/interpret.lua b/interpret.lua
index 7e26cca..5218aa3 100644
--- a/interpret.lua
+++ b/interpret.lua
@@ -84,12 +84,38 @@ function interpret(content,uri,chain)
       current:insert(words,consumeExpression())
     end
   end
+  local singleLineCommentPattern = "//"
+  local function singleLineCommentMeal(current)
+    return function(words,_)
+      current:insert(words) -- Consume what was left
+      consumer:consume({
+        ["[\n\r]"] = function() end
+      })
+    end
+  end
+  local multiLineCommentPattern = "/%*"
+  local function multiLineCommentMeal(current)
+    return function(words,_) -- consume what was left
+      current:insert(words)
+      consumer:consume({
+        ["%*/"] = function() end
+      })
+    end
+  end
+  local colonSyntaxPattern = ":"
+  local function colonSyntaxMeal(current)
+    return function(words,_)
+      current:insert(words,consumeColonExpression())
+    end
+  end
   function consumeBlock()
     local expressions = {}
     local current = expression()
     local loop = true
     while loop do
       local expr = consumer:consume({
+        [multiLineCommentPattern] = multiLineCommentMeal(current),
+        [singleLineCommentPattern] = singleLineCommentMeal(current),
         [uriOpenPattern] = URIMeal(current,uriClosePattern),
         [expressionOpenPattern] = expressionMeal(current),
         [multiLineStringOpenPattern] = 
@@ -99,16 +125,24 @@ function interpret(content,uri,chain)
           singleLineStringMeal(
             current,singleLineStringPattern),
         [blockDelimiterPattern] = function(words,_)
+          current:insert(words)
           if current:empty() then
-            error("Extravenous semicolon.")
+            --error("Extravenous semicolon.")
+          else
+            table.insert(expressions,current)
           end
-          table.insert(expressions,current)
           current = expression()
         end,
         [blockClosePattern] = function(words,_)
           current:insert(words)
           loop = false
-        end
+        end,
+        [blockOpenPattern] = function(words,_)
+          current:insert(
+            words,
+            consumeBlock()
+          )
+        end,
       })
     end
     if #current.items ~= 0 then
@@ -124,6 +158,8 @@ function interpret(content,uri,chain)
     while loop do
       local remaining = consumer:remaining()
       local expr = consumer:consume({
+        [multiLineCommentPattern] = multiLineCommentMeal(current),
+        [singleLineCommentPattern] = singleLineCommentMeal(current),
         [uriOpenPattern] = URIMeal(current,uriClosePattern),
         [expressionOpenPattern] = expressionMeal(current),
         [multiLineStringOpenPattern] = 
diff --git a/main.lua b/main.lua
index 6e7baae..e9e224f 100644
--- a/main.lua
+++ b/main.lua
@@ -1,225 +1,27 @@
-require("interpret")
+require("nelli")
 
-local nelli_scope = Scope()
-local function B(abstract,callback)
-  nelli_scope:insert(
-    Binding(
-      interpret(abstract),
-      callback
-    )
-  )
-end 
-local function R(scope,expression,chain,name)
-  name = name or "?"
-  assert_meta(Chain)(chain,"Arg 'chain' #1: %s")
-  local chain = Chain(expression:link(name)):from(chain)
-  return scope:run(expression,chain)
-end
-B("print (text)",function(s,e,c)
-  log(R(s,e.text,c,"print: text"))
-end)
-B("text (literal)",function(s,e,c)
-  return e.literal:text()
-end)
-B("do (expressions)",function(s,e,c)
-  --assert_meta(Chain)(chain,"Arg 'chain' #3: %s")
-  scope = Scope()
-  scope.parent = s
-  local res
-  for item in iterate(e.expressions.items) do
-    if type_of(item) ~= Expression then 
-      error(
-        string.format(
-          "Unexpected words '%s' in 'do' expression.",
-          tostring(item)
-        )
-      )
-    end
-    res = R(s,item,c,"do: line")
-  end
-  return res
-end)
-B("error (text)",function(s,e,c)
-  error("nel: "..R(s,e.text,c,"error: message"))
-end)
-B("if (predicate) then (expression)",function(s,e,c)
-  if R(s,e.predicate,c,"if: predicate") then
-    return R(s,e.expression,c,"if: result")
-  end
-end)
-B("true",function(s,e,c) return true end)
-B("false",function(s,e,c) return false end)
-B("(constant) = (expression)",function(s,e,c)
-  local value = R(s,e.expression,c,"constant: expression")
-  s:insert(
-    Binding(e.constant:text(),function(s,e,c)
-      return value
-    end)
-  )
-end)
-B("format (string) with (terms)",function(s,e,c)
-  local items = {}
-  for expression in iterate(e.terms.items) do
-    table.insert(items,R(s,expression),c,"format: term")
-  end
-  return string.format(
-    R(s,e.string,c,"format: string"),
-    table.unpack(items)
-  )
-end)
-B("while (predicate) (expression)",function(s,e,c)
-  while R(s,e.predicate,c,"while: predicate") do
-    R(s,e.expression,c,"while: loop")
-  end
-end)
-B("repeat (expression) while (predicate)",function(s,e,c)
-  while true do
-    R(s,e.expression,c,"repeat: expression")
-    if not R(s,e.predicate,c,"repeat: predicate") then
-      break
-    end
-  end
-end)
-B("repeat (expression) until (predicate)",function(s,e,c)
-  while true do
-    R(s,e.expression,c,"repeat: expression")
-    if R(s,e.predicate,c,"repeat: predicate") then
-      break
-    end
-  end
-end)
-B("new table",function(s,e,c)
-  return {}
-end)
-B("(index) of (table)",function(s,e,c)
-  return (R(s,e.table,"of: index"))[R(s,e.index,c,"of: table")]
-end)
-B("set (index) of (table) to (item)",function(s,e,c)
-  R(s,e.table,c,"of-to: index")[R(s,e.index,c,"of-to: table")] = s:run(e.item,c,"of-to: item")
-end)
-B("remove (index) of (table)",function(s,e,c)
-  (R(s,e.table,"remove: table"))[R(s,e.index,c,"remove: index")] = nil
-end)
-B("nil",function(s,e,c)
-  return nil
-end)
---[[ Note
-A macro executes in the same scope of the callee.
-A defintion executes in the scope it was defined.
-I would argue that macros are more unpredictable!
-However, they allow for some very clean code.
---]]
-B("macro (macro) expands to (expression)",function(s,e,c)
-  s:insert(Binding(e.abstract,function(_s,_e,_c)
-    local scope = Scope()
-    scope.parent = _s
-    for identifier,expression in pairs(_e) do
-      scope:insert(Binding(Expression({identifier}),R(_s,expression,_c)))
-    end
-    return R(scope,e.expression,_c,"macro: expression")
-  end))
-end)
-B("define (abstract) as (expression)",function(s,e,c)
-  s:insert(Binding(e.abstract,function(_s,_e,_c)
-    local scope = Scope()
-    scope.parent = s
-    for identifier,expression in pairs(_e) do
-      scope:insert(Binding(Expression({identifier}),R(_s,expression,_c)))
-    end
-    return R(scope,e.expression,_c,"define: expression")
-  end))
-end)
-local List = class("List")
-function List:new(...)
-  self.items = {...}
-end
-B("new list",function(s,e,c)
-  return List()
-end)
-B("insert (item) into (list)",function(s,e,c)
-  table.insert(R(s,e.list).items,R(s,e.item),c,c)
-end)
-B("insert (item) into (list) at (index)",function(s,e,c)
-  table.insert(s:evaulate(e.list).items,R(s,e.index),R(s,item),c,c)
-end)
-B("remove (needle) from (haystack)",function(s,e,c)
-  local tab = R(s,e.haystack,c)
-  table.remove(tab,table.find(tab,R(s,e.needle)),c)
-end)
-B("remove from (haystack) at (index)",function(s,e,c)
-  table.remove(R(s,e.list),R(s,e.index),c,c)
-end)
-
-local Variable = class("Variable")
-function Variable:new()
-end
-function Variable:set(item)
-  self.data = item
-end
-function Variable:get()
-  return self.data
-end
-B("let (variable)",function(s,e,c)
-  local variable = Variable()
-  s:insert(
-    Binding(e.variable,function(s,e,c)
-      return variable
-    end)
-  )
-  return variable
-end)
-B("set (variable) to (expression)",function(s,e,c)
-  local var = R(s,e.variable,c,"set: identifier")
-  local value = R(s,e.expression,c,"set: expression")
-  assert_meta(Variable)(var)
-  var:set(value)
-end)
-B("get (variable)",function(s,e,c)
-  local var = R(s,e.variable,c)
-  return var:get(value)
-end)
-
-local args = {...}
-local function main()
+local function main(args)
   -- Take arguments as neli files to read and interpret
-  local last
   local root = Chain(
     string.format(
-      "in cmd 'nel {%s}'",
+      "in cmd 'nelli {%s}'",
       table.concat(args,";")
     )
   )
-  local success,result = xpcall(function()
-    for _,parameter in pairs(args) do
-      last = parameter
-      local chain = Chain(
-        string.format("in 'call: root' @'%s'",parameter)
-      ):from(root)
+  for _,parameter in pairs(args) do
+    local chain = Chain(
+      string.format("in 'call: root' @'%s'",parameter)
+    ):from(root)
+    root:call(function()
       local root = interpret(
         read(parameter),
         parameter,
         chain
       )
-      assert_meta(Chain)(chain,"?")
-      nelli_scope:run(root,chain)
-    end
-  end,function(msg)
-    -- If this is a 'nel:' error, strip the line responsible
-    -- Otherwise just return the whole traceback since something went really bad
-    local match = msg:match("nel:%s(.*)")
-    if match then
-      return match
-    else
-      return "internal: "..debug.traceback(msg,2)
-    end
-  end)
-  if not success then
-    log(string.format(
-      "nel: %s\nNEL traceback:\n\t%s",
-      result,
-      table.concat(root:flatten(),"\n\t")
-    ))
+      NelliScope:run(root,chain)
+    end)
   end
 end
 
-main()
+-- A list of arguments passed into this
+main({...})
diff --git a/nel/helper.nel b/nel/helper.nel
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7fd556e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nel/helper.nel
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+do {
+  let {
+    ( here (abstract) expands to (expression) )
+      expands to
+    ( let { (abstract) expands to (expression) } in (this scope) );
+
+    (here (abstract) evaluates to (expression))
+      expands to
+    (let {(abstract) evaluates to (expression)} in (this scope));
+
+    ( here (abstract) is equal to (expression) )
+      expands to
+    ( let {(abstract) is equal to (expression)} in (this scope) );
+
+    (module (the path))
+      expands to
+    (do {
+      here (the scope) is (a new scope);
+      evaluate (read file (the path)) in (the scope);
+      return (the scope);
+    });
+  };
+}
diff --git a/nel/lc.nel b/nel/lc.nel
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9b67ca4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nel/lc.nel
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+do {
+  // Scope for the language that we will write in NEL
+  here (I scope) is (new scope); // I -> NEL Intermediate Code
+
+  // Compile (...) should return the compiled text
+  here (compile ('code')) 
+    expands to 
+  (do {'code'} in (I scope));
+
+  // Definitions for things in the I scope
+  let {
+    
+  } in (I scope)
+}
diff --git a/nel/translator/cxx.nel b/nel/translator/cxx.nel
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c2cc1d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nel/translator/cxx.nel
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+do {
+  
+} in ((module ("nel/translator/main.nel"))
diff --git a/nel/translator/main.nel b/nel/translator/main.nel
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5123428
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nel/translator/main.nel
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+do {
+  here (lang scope) is (new scope);
+
+  let {
+    here ( call (identifier) (values) ) evaluates to ( 
+      here (source) is 
+    )
+    here ( text (literal) ) evaluates to ( text (literal) )
+    here ( print (values) ) expands to ( call (print) (values) )
+  } in (lang scope)
+  here (compile (code))
+    expands to
+  (do (code) in (lang scope));
+}
diff --git a/nel/ui.nel b/nel/ui.nel
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..efddfa6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nel/ui.nel
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+do {
+  here ((fart) means (print "fart"));
+  fart;
+  fart;
+  fart;
+}
diff --git a/nelli b/nelli
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..3f7917e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nelli
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+#/bin/sh
+if ! command -v lua &> /dev/null
+then
+  echo "lua could not be found"
+  exit 1
+else
+  lua main.lua "$@"
+fi
+
diff --git a/nelli.lua b/nelli.lua
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..80369bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nelli.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,299 @@
+require("interpret")
+
+function B(scope,abstract,callback)
+  scope:insert(
+    Binding(
+      interpret(abstract),
+      callback
+    )
+  )
+end 
+function R(scope,expression,chain,name)
+  name = name or "?"
+  assert_meta(Chain)(chain,"Arg 'chain' #3: %s")
+  assert_meta(Scope)(scope,"Arg 'scope' #1: %s")
+  assert_meta(Expression)(expression,"Arg 'expression' #2: %s")
+  local chain = Chain(expression:link(name)):from(chain)
+  return scope:run(expression,chain)
+end
+
+NelliScope = Scope()
+local ns = NelliScope
+-- Replace all :text() occurrences with ones in 'exp_map'
+local function substitute(target,exp_map)
+  local text = target:text()
+  if text then -- Replace the parameter
+    local map = exp_map[text]
+    if map then
+      return Expression({map})
+    else
+      return target
+    end
+  else
+    local new = Expression()
+    for sub in iterate(target.items) do
+      local t = type_of(sub)
+      if t == "string" then
+        new:insert(sub)
+      elseif t == Expression then
+        new:insert(substitute(sub,exp_map))
+      end
+    end
+    return new
+  end
+end
+-- Iterate over all :text() occurrences
+local function traverse(expression,callback)
+  for sub in iterate(expression.items) do
+    if type_of("sub") == Expression then
+      traverse(sub,callback)
+    else
+      callback(sub)
+    end
+  end
+end
+local function Bexpands(s,e,c)
+  local bound = {}
+  for sub in iterate(e.abstract.items) do
+    local t = type_of(sub)
+    if t == Expression then
+      local text = sub:text()
+      if not (
+        text:match("'.+'")
+      ) then
+        --[[error(string.format(
+          "nel: Abstract parameter \"%s\" not in 'quotes'.",
+          text
+        ))]]
+      else
+        table.insert(bound,text)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+  return Binding(e.abstract,function(_s,_e,_c)
+    local map = {}
+    for binding in iterate(bound) do
+      map[binding] = _e[binding]
+    end
+    local expanded = substitute(e.expression,map)
+    return R(_s,expanded,_c,"means: "..tostring(expanded))
+  end)
+end
+B(ns,"(abstract) means (expression)",Bexpands)
+local function Bevaluate(s,e,c)
+  return Binding(e.abstract,function(_s,_e,_c)
+    local scope = Scope()
+    scope.parent = s
+    for name,expression in pairs(_e.items) do
+      scope:insert(Binding(
+        Expression({name}),
+        R(_s,_e,_c,string.format("expands: %s:",name))
+      ))
+    end
+    return R(scope,e,c,"evaluate: result")
+  end)
+end
+B(ns,"(abstract) becomes (expression)",Bevaluates)
+B(ns,"(identifier) is (expression)",function(s,e,c)
+  if not e.identifier:text(s,e,c) then 
+    error("nel: text-only expression expected.")
+  end
+  return Binding(e.identifier,R())
+end)
+local function doAll(s,e,c)
+  local res
+  for item in iterate(e.items) do
+    if type_of(item) ~= Expression then 
+      error(
+        string.format(
+          "Unexpected words '%s' in 'do' expression.",
+          tostring(item)
+        )
+      )
+    end
+    res = R(s,item,c,"do: line")
+  end
+  return res
+end
+-- Note that do actually runs stuff in the same scope it was called
+-- Otherwise we can't have easily multiple mutations to the parent scope
+local function Bdo(s,e,c)
+  local scope
+  if e.scope then
+    scope = R(s,e.scope,c,"do: scope")
+  else
+    scope = Scope()
+    scope.parent = s
+  end
+  return doAll(s,e.expression,c)
+end
+B(ns,"do (expression) in (scope)",Bdo)
+B(ns,"do (expression)",Bdo)
+B(ns,"(abstract) broken into (expressions) as do (results)",function(s,e,c)
+  return Binding(e.abstract,function(_s,_e,_c)
+    local params = List()
+    for index,item in pairs(_e) do
+      local expr = Object()
+      expr.identifier = index
+      expr.expression = item
+      table.insert(params,expr)
+    end
+    local expressions = e.expressions:text()
+    if not expressions then
+      error(
+        string.format(
+          "nel: binding: sub expressions: %s not text-only!",
+          e.expressions
+        )
+      )
+    end
+    local scope = Scope()
+    scope.parent = s
+    scope:insert(Binding(Expression{expressions},params))
+    return doAll(s,e.expressions,c)
+  end)
+end)
+local _list = {}
+local function List()
+  return setmetatable(_list,{})
+end
+B(ns,"a new list",function(s,e,c)
+  return List()
+end)
+B(ns,"for each (item) in (list) do (expressions)",function(s,e,c)
+  local item = e.item:text()
+  if not property then 
+    error(
+      string.format(
+        "nel: for each: item: '%s' not text only!",
+        e.property
+      )
+    ) 
+  end
+  local list = R(s,e.list,c,"for each: list")
+  assert_meta(List)(list,"for each: list: %s")
+  for index,item in ipairs(list) do
+    local scope = Scope()
+    scope.parent = s
+    scope:insert(Binding(Expression{item}))
+    doAll(s,e.expressions,c)
+  end
+end)
+B(ns,"add (item) to (list)",function(s,e,c)
+  local item = R(s,e.list,c,"")
+  local list = R(s,e.list,c,"add: list")
+  assert_meta(List)(list,"add: list: %s")
+  table.insert(list,item)
+end)
+-- I even quite dislike these, they are prone to gumming things up
+local _table = {}
+B(ns,"a new table",function(s,e,c) return {} end)
+B(ns,"set (index) of (table) to (value)",function(s,e,c)
+  local index = e.index:text()
+  if not index then 
+    index = R(s,e.index,c,"set: index")
+  end
+  local tab = R(s,e.table,c,"set: table")
+  local val = R(s,e.value,c,"set: value")
+  tab[index] = val
+end)
+B(ns,"get (index) of (table)",function(s,e,c)
+  local index = e.index:text()
+  if not index then
+    index = R(s,e.index,c,"get: index")
+  end
+  local tab = R(s,e.table,c,"get: table")
+  return tab[index]
+end)
+local _object = {}
+local function Object()
+  return setmetatable(_object,{})
+end
+B(ns,"a new object",function(s,e,c)
+  return Object()
+end)
+B(ns,"(property) of (object) is (value)",function(s,e,c)
+  local property = e.property:text()
+  if not property then 
+    error(
+      string.format(
+        "nel: property is: property: '%s' not text only!",
+        e.property
+      )
+    ) 
+  end
+  local object = R(s,e.object,c,"property is: object")
+  assert_meta(Object)(object,"nel: property is: object: %s")
+  local value = R(s,e.value,c,"property is: value")
+  object[property] = value
+end)
+B(ns,"(property) of (object)",function(s,e,c)
+  local property = e.property:text()
+  if not property then 
+    error(
+      string.format(
+        "nel: property is: property: '%s' not text only!",
+        e.property
+      )
+    ) 
+  end
+  local object = R(s,e.object,c,"property is: object")
+  assert_meta(Object)(object,"nel: property is: object: %s")
+  return object[property]
+end)
+B(ns,"error (text)",function(s,e,c)
+  error("nel: "..R(s,e.text,c,"error: message"))
+end)
+B(ns,"this scope",function(s,e,c)
+  return s
+end)
+B(ns,"a new scope",function(s,e,c)
+  return Scope()
+end)
+-- Read a file in the current directly, more for compiling
+B(ns,"read file (path)",function(s,e,c)
+  return read(R(s,e.path,c,"read: path"))
+end)
+-- Take some text and interpret it into an expression
+B(ns,"evaluate (text) in (scope)",function(s,e,c)
+  local scope = R(s,e.scope,c,"evaluate: scope")
+  return R(s,interpret(R(scope,e.text,c,"include: source")),c,"include: result")
+end)
+B(ns,"print (text)",function(s,e,c)
+  log(R(s,e.text,c,"print: text"))
+end)
+B(ns,"text (literal)",function(s,e,c)
+  return e.literal:text()
+end)
+B(ns,"return (expression)",function(s,e,c)
+  return R(s,e.expression,c,"return: result")
+end)
+B(ns,"(macro) means (expansion)",function(s,e,c)
+  
+end)
+B(ns,"(identifier) is (value)",function(s,e,c)
+  
+end)
+B(ns,"(expression) becomes (result)",function(s,e,c)
+
+end)
+B(ns,"let (binding) in (scope)",function(s,e,c)
+
+end)
+
+local Hpath = "nel/helper.nel"
+local Hchain = Chain("in internal: "..Hpath)
+local success,result = Hchain:call(function(chain)
+  R(NelliScope,interpret(read(Hpath),Hpath,chain),chain)
+end)
+
+--[[ Documentation:
+
+(a new scope) -> Becomes a created new scope
+(this scope) -> Becomes the current scope
+(macro) expands to (expansion) -> Becomes a binding which makes
+  (<macro>) become whatever (result) will become in place
+(expression) 
+--]]
+
+return ns
diff --git a/nex.nel b/nex.nel
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7c4018
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nex.nel
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+do {
+  register query {
+    /* Some sorcery for a query? */
+
+  }
+}
diff --git a/parse.lua b/parse.lua
index f5ac7bb..a009f9d 100644
--- a/parse.lua
+++ b/parse.lua
@@ -64,10 +64,18 @@ function Expression:new(items)
     self:insert(item)
   end
 end
+-- Return the iterator through the expression
+function Expression:iterate()
+  return iterate(self.items)
+end
+-- Is the expression empty?
 function Expression:empty()
   return #self.items == 0
 end
--- insert a word or sub expression into this one
+--[[
+Insert a word or sub expression into this one
+Note: The expression has a .items = {} list.
+]]
 function Expression:insert(...)
   -- closures for nvim highlighting
   local function insert_word(word)
@@ -83,15 +91,19 @@ function Expression:insert(...)
   end
   for item in iterate({...}) do
     case_of({
-      table = function(expr)
+      [Expression] = function(expr)
         insert_expression(expr)
       end,
       string = function(word)
         insert_word(word)
       end
-    })(type(item),item)
+    })(type_of(item),item)
   end
 end
+--[[
+Converts an expression to meaningful text format.
+This should be reparseable.
+]]
 function Expression:string()
   local parts = {}
   for index,item in pairs(self.items) do
@@ -99,6 +111,30 @@ function Expression:string()
   end
   return string.format("(%s)",table.concat(parts," "))
 end
+--[[
+Similarly to abstract, returns this expression
+with subexpression:reduce(depth-1)
+Useful for more informative debugging
+]]
+function Expression:reduce(depth)
+  local parts = {}
+  for index,item in pairs(self.items) do
+    parts[index] = case_of({
+      [Expression] = function(item)
+        if depth == 0 then 
+          return Expression({"..."})
+        else
+          return item:reduce(depth - 1)
+        end
+      end,
+      string = id
+    })(type_of(item),item)
+  end
+end
+--[[
+Returns this expression with all sub expressions
+simplified to text by :text() or '...'
+]]
 function Expression:abstract(infer)
   local parts = {}
   local count = 0
@@ -122,6 +158,10 @@ function Expression:abstract(infer)
   end
   return Expression(parts)
 end
+--[[
+Return the single 'words' part of this expression
+if it is alone. Otherwise return nil.
+]]
 function Expression:text()
   -- Get the text
   local text = self.items[#self.items]
@@ -129,21 +169,32 @@ function Expression:text()
   if type(text) ~= "string" then return end
   return text
 end
+--[[
+Give this expression a meaningful debug location
+referring to some source code.
+]]
 function Expression:locate(str,uri)
   self.location = str
   self.source = uri
   return self
 end
+--[[
+Return the meaningful debug location as a string msg.
+]]
 function Expression:link(msg)
   return string.format(
     "in '%s' @%s (%s)",
     msg,
-    tostring(self),
+    tostring(self:abstract()),
     tostring(self.location or "?"),
     tostring(self.source or "?.nel")
   )
 end
 
+--[[
+A class which parses text using the 'consumer-meal'
+model.
+]]
 Consumer = class("Consumer")
 function Consumer:new(content)
   self.range = Range(Reader(content))
@@ -226,13 +277,18 @@ function Binding:string()
   return string.format("Binding %s: %s",self.template,tostring(self.value or self.callback))
 end
 function Binding:call(s,e,c)
-  assert_meta(Scope)(s)
-  assert_meta(Chain)(c)
+  for item in iterate(e) do
+    assert_meta(Expression)(item)
+  end
+  assert_meta(Scope)(s,"Arg 'scope' #1: %s")
+  assert_meta(Chain)(c,"Arg 'chain' #3: %s")
   return self.value or self.callback(s,e,c)
 end
-function Binding:check(expression)
+-- Expecting an abstract expression!
+function Binding:check(expression,candid)
   assert_meta(Expression)(expression,"Arg 'expression' #1: %s")
-  local candid = expression:abstract()
+  candid = candid or expression:abstract()
+  assert_meta(Expression)(candid,"Arg 'abstract' #2: %s")
   local data = {}
   local index
   local loop = true
@@ -249,7 +305,18 @@ function Binding:check(expression)
         if type_of(candid_item) ~= Expression then 
           loop = false
         else 
-          data[template_item:text()] = expression.items[index]
+          local text = template_item:text()
+          if not text then
+            error(
+              string.format(
+                [[There was a subexpression without 
+                just text in this expression: %s]],
+                tostring(candid)
+              )
+            )
+          end
+          data[text] = expression.items[index]
+          assert_meta(Expression)(expression.items[index])
         end
       end,
       string = function()
@@ -291,6 +358,31 @@ function Chain:flatten(tab)
   table.insert(tab,self.data)
   return tab
 end
+function Chain:pcall(func)
+  local success,result = xpcall(func,function(msg)
+    -- If this is a 'nel:' error, strip the line responsible
+    -- Otherwise just return the whole traceback since something went really bad
+    local match = msg:match("nel:%s(.*)")
+    if match then
+      return match
+    else
+      return "internal: "..debug.traceback(msg,2)
+    end
+  end,self)
+  if not success then
+    log(string.format(
+      "nel: %s\nNEL traceback:\n\t%s",
+      result,
+      table.concat(self:flatten(),"\n\t")
+    ))
+  end
+  return successs,result
+end
+function Chain:call(func)
+  local success,result = self:pcall(func)
+  if not success then error("Chain: Halt!") end
+  return result
+end
 
 -- The scope of a neli expression under evaluation
 -- without exact faith to traditional language scopes
@@ -308,7 +400,7 @@ function Scope:insert(binding)
   assert_meta(Binding)(binding,"Arg 'binding' #1: %s")
   for competitor in iterate(self.bindings) do
     if competitor:check(binding.template) then
-      nerror("Conflicting sibling bindings in scope.")
+      error(string.format("nel: Conflicting sibling bindings in scope for '%s'.",binding.template))
     end
   end
   table.insert(self.bindings,binding)
@@ -317,10 +409,12 @@ function Scope:run(expression,chain,original)
   original = original or self
   assert_meta(Expression)(expression,"Arg 'expression' #1: %s")
   assert_meta(Chain)(chain,"Arg 'chain' #2: %s")
+  assert_meta(Scope,original,"Arg 'scope' #3: %s")
     -- Could be multiple bindings so make a table
   local binds = {}
+  local abstract = expression:abstract()
   for binding in iterate(self.bindings) do
-    local bind = binding:check(expression)
+    local bind = binding:check(expression,abstract)
     -- Insert into table
     if bind then binds[binding] = bind end
   end
@@ -328,21 +422,21 @@ function Scope:run(expression,chain,original)
   -- Check for multiple
   if not bind then
     if self.parent then
-      return self.parent:run(expression,chain,self)
+      return self.parent:run(expression,chain,original)
     else
       local extra = ""
       if #expression.items == 1 then
         local item = expression.items[1]
         if type_of(item) == Expression then
-          extra = extra .. "\nNote: This expression is formed (just bracketed) of another single expression. Maybe too many brackets were used here?"
+          extra = extra .. "\nNote: This expression is formed (just bracketed) of another single expression. Maybe too many brackets were used here? Are you using curly braces?"
         else
-          extra = extra .. "\n\tNote: This is a 'text' expression, it has no subexpressions. It is most likely that an expected object definition was not bound to the scope or there is a typo."
+          extra = extra .. "\n\tNote: This is a 'word only' expression, it has no subexpressions. It is most likely that an expected object definition was not bound to the scope or there is a typo."
         end
       end
       error(
         string.format(
-          "nel: No binding for '%s' in scope.",
-          tostring(expression:abstract()),
+          "nel: No binding for '%s' in scope.%s",
+          tostring(expression),
           extra
         ),3
       )
@@ -361,6 +455,9 @@ function Scope:run(expression,chain,original)
       )
     ,2)
   else
+    for index,item in pairs(binds) do
+      print("index:",index,"item:",item)
+    end
     return binding:call(
       original,
       bind,
diff --git a/test.nel b/test.nel
index c2156ab..6ed8941 100644
--- a/test.nel
+++ b/test.nel
@@ -1,5 +1,3 @@
 do {
-  print "large balls";
-  define (say (text)) as (print (text));
-  say "shit";
+  print "wsg";
 }