Getting started

This is the first step for a new O Language user. The runtime is a separate program; install it from an OnixOS package repository, build it from its Go source, or use the published container described on the installation page.

Write a first program

Create a plain-text file named hello.ola:

output("Hello, O Language")

Run it from the directory containing the file:

olang run hello.ola

The top-level runner also accepts olang hello.ola. Start olang with no file to open the interactive REPL. At the prompt, help lists names registered by that runtime and exit closes the session.

Read the program

• output is a built-in function that writes text and a newline.
• A source file commonly uses the .ola extension.
• Run commands from the project directory when your program loads other files; load resolves paths from the process working directory.

Continue learning

• Language basics covers values, functions, conditions, arrays, hashes and iteration.
• Project files explains source, module, package and process files.
• The practical guide combines these ideas in longer examples.
• The command-line reference lists runner, compile, package and web commands.