I built a programming language using Claude Code

ankursethi.com
March 10, 2026
25 min read
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53/100
Summary
A new programming language named Cutlet was developed using Claude Code over four weeks in early 2023. The source code, build instructions, and example programs are available on GitHub.
Key Takeaways
- Ankur Sethi developed a new programming language called Cutlet using Claude Code, which can execute real programs on macOS and Linux.
- Cutlet features dynamic variable declaration, array and string manipulation, and includes a unique meta-operator for vectorized operations.
- The language allows for boolean indexing and filtering of arrays, enabling concise data manipulation.
- Functions in Cutlet are expressions, with the last value produced becoming the return value, and can utilize the meta-operator for various operations.
Coverage & discussions
Hacker News · ankursethi.com
Community discussions
Community Sentiment
Positives
- Integrating Claude and Codex has significantly accelerated the evolution of complex codebases, enabling developers to achieve what would take a lifetime without AI assistance.
- The ability to generate programming languages quickly allows for rapid experimentation and innovation, transforming how developers approach problem-solving.
- AI-generated code, combined with human oversight, creates a powerful symbiotic relationship that enhances productivity and creativity in software development.
Concerns
- Relying entirely on AI to generate code can diminish the personal satisfaction and creative engagement that comes from building a programming language by hand.
- The essence of programming languages may be lost if developers no longer engage with the code, reducing the meaningful interaction that defines software creation.




