Claro
A learning tool first. A programming language second.
Claro helps beginners learn programming through readable commands, simple rules, and small programs. Accessibility for people with learning disabilities is a core design goal; it still needs testing with learners.
Current release: v2026.10.20.160950
Start here
- Build and run Claro.
- Try your first programs.
- Follow the ten lessons, one at a time.
Build with a C89 compiler and make, then run the first lesson:
make
./claro lessons/01_hello.claro
On Windows, see the quick start for build instructions.
Your first program
SAY "Hello!"
ASK "What is your name?" name
SAY "Hello " + name
Start with input/output, variables, basic math, decisions, loops, lists, simple functions, and saving text. You do not need classes, packages, networking, or advanced types to learn with Claro.
Find your way
lessons/— small, ordered lessons.examples/— programs to try and change.- Documentation — learning guides and reference.
- Current roadmap — the small set of active priorities.
- Learning-first rules — how Claro is designed.
- Contributing — source layout, builds, and validation.
Existing features and compatibility syntax remain supported; they are not required for the beginner path. Experimental features are described in the detailed status, not promised as ready.
Claro scripts run with your permissions. Run only scripts you trust.
Single-file C89 interpreter
The complete runtime is in src/claro.c. Build it directly:
gcc -std=c89 -pedantic-errors src/claro.c -o claro -lm
No generated source or project header is required. See C89 build notes for platform dependencies, testing, and limitations.
License
See LICENSE.