Chloride is a C-based interpreter for the Argon programming language. It is released as libre software - that is, software that respects your freedom to run, study, modify, and share it. All source code in this repository is libre, and the compiled binaries are fully freedom-respecting as well.
Chloride is designed as a drop-in replacement for the older Go implementation (argon-v3), providing a more efficient runtime and a cleaner, more consistent object model.
Installation instructions can be found here.
Chloride introduces a bytecode compiler, caching system, and virtual machine, replacing the older AST-walking runtime of argon-v3.
The result is a more predictable execution model, lower memory usage, and better performance, with a focus on clarity and consistency rather than strict backwards compatibility.
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Bytecode + VM architecture
Chloride compiles source code into bytecode and executes it through a dedicated virtual machine.
The previous interpreter evaluated the AST directly at runtime, which limited performance and made optimisations difficult. -
Reduced memory usage and CPU overhead
Chloride is written in C with an emphasis on minimal allocations, predictable lifetimes, and efficient object handling. -
Unified object model
In contrast to argon-v3, where some values (such as numbers) were not objects, Chloride treats every value as a first-class object.
This simplifies the runtime and ensures a more consistent behaviour across all types. -
Proper class and inheritance system
Classes in Chloride are real objects, supporting inheritance and introspection in a clean, well-defined manner.
The old interpreter treated classes as a special-case construct, which restricted the language's expressiveness.
- Minimise memory usage and improve runtime efficiency.
- Provide a stable, maintainable interpreter core.
- Keep the implementation straightforward so that future language features can be built cleanly on top of it.
- Serve as the reference interpreter for Argon going forward.
Chloride is still actively developed. Its object model is mostly complete, but some core features are missing or experimental.
Chloride improves on argon-v3 with cleaner syntax and more predictable semantics, which may require adapting older code.
Known performance issues and occasional crashes remain, and development is focused on stabilising the runtime, finalising the syntax, and eliminating major bugs. The aim is for Chloride to serve as the long-term Argon interpreter and the last major rewrite the language needs.
GNU General Public License v3.0