Learn LOLCODE with Real Code Examples

LOLCODE uses keywords and phrases mimicking casual English, e.g., 'HAI', 'KTHXBYE'.

It supports basic programming constructs: variables, loops, conditionals, and functions.

Designed primarily for fun, education, and exploring alternative language design.

Code is interpreted by LOLCODE interpreters available in multiple languages.

It demonstrates how programming languages can be human-readable or playful while still functional.

HAI ... KTHXBYE - program start/end

I HAS A - variable declaration

VISIBLE - print to console

IM IN YR / IM OUTTA YR - loops

O RLY? / YA RLY / NO WAI - conditionals

Program structure: HAI ... KTHXBYE

Variables declared using 'I HAS A varname'

Printing output: 'VISIBLE message'

Loops: 'IM IN YR loop ... IM OUTTA YR loop'

Conditionals: 'O RLY? YA RLY / NO WAI / OIC'

Single .lol file per program

No mandatory directory structure

Optional include files for modularity (depending on interpreter)

Interpreter handles parsing and execution

Output to console or redirected file

Write LOLCODE in a text editor

Use interpreters to test syntax

Start with variable declarations and simple operations

Add loops and conditionals for control flow

Iterate and expand programs with functions and expressions

Beginner: Hello World program

Intermediate: basic arithmetic and loops

Advanced: nested loops and conditionals

Expert: simulated games or text-based apps

Architect: creative or meme-based esoteric projects

LOLCODE vs Python: Python is practical and industrial; LOLCODE is humorous/esoteric

LOLCODE vs Brainfuck: Both are esoteric; LOLCODE is readable, Brainfuck is minimalistic

LOLCODE vs JavaScript: JS is mainstream; LOLCODE is meme-based

LOLCODE vs Scratch: Scratch is visual; LOLCODE is textual meme language

LOLCODE vs C: C is compiled, low-level; LOLCODE is interpreted, playful

2007 - LOLCODE created by Adam Lindsay

2008 - First public interpreter (LCI) released

2010 - Python-based interpreter introduced

2012 - Node.js interpreter available

2015 - Updated language specification LOLCODE 1.2

2017 - Improved interpreters for Windows/Linux/Mac

2019 - Online LOLCODE playgrounds launched

2020 - Community-driven updates and minor dialects

2023 - Latest interpreters with extended functionality

Future - Educational use, creative coding, meme projects

LOLCODE - esoteric meme-based language

I HAS A - variable declaration

VISIBLE - output to console

O RLY? / YA RLY / NO WAI / OIC - conditionals

IM IN YR / IM OUTTA YR - loops