A program in Polispeak is called Legislation, which are composed of Definitions and Sections.
With respect to programming concepts:
- Definitions are analogous to types
- Sections are analogous to functions
When legislation is yet to be executed, we say that its being drafted. It is during the drafting stage that legislation is check for coherency - i.e: structure - and sensability - type correctness .
Once legislation passes the drafting phrase, it is ready to to be enforced. In other words, the corresponding Polispeak program is ready to be executed.
As said, sections are analogous to functions as we encounter in programming. Like functions, sections:
- May expect provisions ( function parameters ).
- May result in a fulfillment ( The return value of a function )
Also like functions, sections can be invoked.
In programming, to define a custom datatype, we may have to declare struct , class , record , or use some other facility. Definitions are essentially structs/records, composed of named, immutable members / components.
Definitions can be instantiated, as well as dereferenced like their programming counterparts.
There will be certain procedures that cannot be directly described in just Polispeak alone. In such case, legislation requiring such procedures will need to draw upon some precedent.
With respect to programming, precedent is Java code that defines types ( definitions ) and functions ( sections ) that a Polispeak program can interact with.
The Polispeak Interpreter currently has two built-in precedents:
- The Constitution , which defines built-in types such as Integers, Floats and Strings, as well as helpful sections regarding arithmetic, reflection and etc.
- The Bill of Strings, which has essential sections for procedures in manipulating Strings.
As a kid, I loved playing nation simulation games - notably Cybernations. The thing is, these games often lacked an ability for players to define custom policy to enact for their nations - which is completly understandable.
After gaining a stable foothold in programming, the first thing I worked on was my own simulation game to address this exact issue. However, I found it too difficult and forgot about it until now.
Coupled with the insanity and boredom - as well as my increased exposure to certain legislative workings ( Ahem stimulus) - I initially began this project to parody the harmful and disastorous attempts of clueless legislators to pass legislation on an industry - like anything technological - with little to no knowledge about it.
I mean, look at SOPA, CISA, PIPA, CACA, DOODOO and the many varying attempts that are in the agendas of many legislators. Either from a lack of understanding, or frequent visitation of expensive lobbies, these people almost always end up pushing policy with great consequences that is of their benefit and at our cost.
