HTLL

HTLL is a low-level programming language that compiles directly to x86-64 and AArch64 Linux assembly and some more, creating small, fast, and dependency-free statically linked binaries. It's built on the "Escape Programming" philosophy, which rejects the bloat and restrictions of modern toolchains in favor of absolute control.

The Power of Minimalism: A Concrete Example

HTLL's simplicity translates directly to hyper-efficient executables.

• A standard Hello, World! program in HTLL compiles to a 440-byte assembly (.s) file. When assembled, the final statically linked binary file is only 255 bytes.
• A more complex program, like a full Bubble Sort algorithm, produces a final statically linked executable of just 1.1 kilobytes.

This is the result of speaking directly to the metal without unnecessary abstraction layers.

Core Features at a Glance

HTLL provides a powerful set of primitives for systems programming:

• Direct Memory Control: Manipulate data using arrays as raw byte buffers.
• Simple Syntax: A straightforward syntax inspired by the "least keystroke" philosophy.
• Core Functionality: Includes variables, functions, loops, and conditionals.
• Built-in System Calls: Direct access to file I/O (read, append, delete) and user input without external libraries.

Full Documentation

For a complete guide, including detailed explanations of every feature, syntax rules, and extensive examples, please read the full documentation:

Read the Full HTLL Documentation

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Requirements

• architectures: x86-64, AArch64
• Operating System: 64-bit Linux
• Compiler: g++ (for the initial compiler bootstrap)
• Assembler: fasm (flat assembler) and for AArch64 use as and ld

Installing FASM:

• Arch Linux / Manjaro: sudo pacman -S fasm
• Debian / Ubuntu: sudo apt install fasm

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How to Use

The build process is separated into a one-time compiler setup and the process for your own programs.

1. Compiling the HTLL Compiler (One-Time Setup)

To build the HTLL compiler from source, follow these exact steps in order:

1. Compile the compiler:

   g++ HTLL.cpp -o HTLL

2. Compiling and Running Your Program

Once the compiler is built, use this simple workflow for your own .htll files:

x86-64 Example

1. Compile Source to Assembly:

   ./HTLL my_program.htll x86-64

2. Assemble to a Static Executable:

   fasm my_program.s

3. Run:

   ./my_program

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ARM (AArch64) Example

HTLL source (my_program.htll)

./HTLL my_program.htll arm

This generates:

my_program.s

Assemble (ARM)

as my_program.s -o my_program.o

Link

ld my_program.o -o my_program

Run

./my_program

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ORYX: Interpreted Assembly for HTLL

ORYX is an assembly-like interpreted language that HTLL can compile your .htll code into.

Workflow

1. Compile HTLL to ORYX assembly (.oryxir):

./HTLL my_program.htll oryx

2. Compile the ORYX runtime (oryxir.cpp):

g++ oryxir.cpp -o oryxir

3. Run the ORYX file:

./oryxir my_program.oryxir

4. Debug using the browser:

• Open index.html
• Load your .oryxir file
• Step forward/backward, inspect and modify registers or memory

ORYX is interpreted, not a binary. oryxir executes it, and index.html is the debugger.

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HT-Kernel: Ring 0 Execution for HTLL

HT-Kernel is a minimal x86-64 kernel written in FASM assembly that allows HTLL-generated code to run directly in ring 0.

It is designed for bare-metal experimentation, giving HTLL programs direct access to hardware without an operating system.

Overview

• Architecture: x86-64 only
• Privilege Level: Ring 0
• Language: FASM assembly
• Purpose: Execute HTLL-generated kernel-safe assembly
• OS: None (bare metal) x86-64 ONLY

HT-Kernel is intentionally simple and experimental.

HTLL → HT-Kernel Workflow

1. Compile HTLL to kernel assembly:

./HTLL ring0_test.htll x86-64-ring0

2. Use the generated assembly output:

• Copy the contents of the generated .s file
• Paste it into the HT-Kernel folder in main_draw.s and then run ./build.sh

3. Build the kernel:

• Assemble the kernel using FASM
• Boot it (QEMU or real hardware)

Example Programs

HTLL programs such as ring0_test.htll demonstrate:

• Direct screen drawing
• 80×50 text-mode graphics
• Simple game and visual demos
• A clock in UTC+2

Repository

HT-Kernel is hosted here:

https://github.com/TheMaster1127/HT-Kernel

HT-Kernel is experimental. No memory protection, no safety guarantees.

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License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPLv3).