tracklang 0.2.1

A TrackMania-themed syntax wrapper for Python

TrackLang

A programming language* using TrackMania terminology

TrackLang is a syntax-level wrapper around Python.

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Overview

TrackLang is a domain-specific language that maps TrackMania-inspired terminology to standard Python constructs.

TrackLang does not introduce new semantics, runtime behavior, or execution models. All TrackLang programs are translated into valid Python and executed using the Python interpreter.

If it works in Python, it works in TrackLang.

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Design Goals

• Preserve full Python semantics
• Avoid custom runtimes or interpreters
• Keep translation logic simple and transparent
• Remain honest about what the project is

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Non-Goals

TrackLang does not aim to:

• Improve performance
• Replace Python
• Introduce new language features
• Be suitable for production use

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Example

TrackLang source:

START_RACE main():
    PB time = 3

    LOOP_TRACK time FASTER_THAN 0:
        CHAT time
        PB time = time - 1
    FINISH
FINISH

GO main()

Translated Python:

     def main():
     time = 3
     while time > 0:
         print(time)
         time = time - 1

 main()

The programs are functionally identical.

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Syntax Overview

TrackLang replaces a small set of Python keywords with TrackMania-themed aliases. All other syntax is standard Python.

Control Flow

TrackLang	Python
START_RACE	def
CHECKPOINT	if
ALT_ROUTE	elif
ELSE_ROUTE	else
LOOP_TRACK	while
LAP	for
FINISH	end

Statements

TrackLang	Python
CHAT	print
PB x = y	x = y
GO f()	f()
RESTART_MAP	return
DNF	break
RESET_RUN	continue
INSTALLOPENPLANETPLUGIN {module}	import {module}
INSTALLOPENPLANETPLUGIN {module} AS {alias}	import {module} as {alias}
DOWNLOADFROMNADEO {module} {thing}	from {module} import {thing}

Operators

TrackLang	Python
FASTER_THAN	>
SLOWER_THAN	<
EQUALS	==
NOT_PB	!=
AT_LEAST	>=
AT_MOST	<=

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Indentation Model

TrackLang uses explicit block terminators.

• Blocks begin with control statements
• Blocks end with FINISH
• Indentation is generated automatically during translation

This removes whitespace sensitivity while preserving Python compatibility.

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Installation

pip install tracklang

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Usage

tracklang example.tm

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Limitations

• Errors originate from Python
• Debugging occurs in translated Python
• No sandboxing is provided

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Intended Use

TrackLang is intended for:

• Educational experiments
• Language tooling exploration
• Demonstrations
• Jokes taken seriously

It is not recommended for production systems. Seriously. It isn't.