Lingo compiler

We need a program to convert Lingo (the programming language of Macromedia Director) into Java -- either valid, ready to compile Java source code, or ready-to-run Java class files. Lingo is an older language, with its roots in the expressive "HyperTalk" language made popular in 1998 by Apple's HyperCard. (i.e. "put the second word of the first line of field 'data' into myVar"). However, all of our code conforms to the newer Lingo "dot syntax" which looks more like Java or Python. (i.e. "myVar = field("data").line[1].word[2]") The right person for this job will have a great deal of experience with Lingo and Java. Sorry, but we can't help you learn Lingo. ## Deliverables We have 30 Lingo (.ls) files totalling around 6,000 lines of Lingo code. Each file can be assumed to represent a single Java "class" file. We can think of two implementations that we'd accept (other ideas welcome, too): 1. Using sed, Perl, regular expressions, or your favorite tool, transform the Lingo scripts line-by-line into equivalent Java. 2. Using SableCC and a Lingo grammar you'd write, write a Lingo compiler that accepts the Lingo files and generates Java class files. 3. Combine these approaches with Perl's Parse::RecDescent -- write a grammar for Lingo and have a Perl script parse the .ls files, and then transform the internal representation into Java source (or potentially opcodes). The first is probably easier, but the second and third are cooler. In your bid, please indicate which approach you'll take (or describe a new approach you might think of). Keep in mind: - Lingo uses untyped variables, and you'll need a class to represent them & transform them into whatever type is required. Internally, Lingo transforms these to signed long integers, floats, strings, rects, points, or lists, as needed. Operators tend to work on all data types (i.e. multiply 2 * a list and each list value is doubled.) To help with making this easier, we have a class interface you can use: [login to view URL] - Lingo has no arrays, but it does has lists (i.e. vectors or collections), sorted lists, and property lists (i.e. hashes). - Our code doesn't use the Director graphics engine or draw any GUI components (except for basic println type statements). There are a small core set of functions that will need to be replicated (i.e. file input/output, message passing) for the code to be validated. We will supply you with whatever test .ls files you require. We will also give you our production .ls files, if you sign an NDA. The deliverable should be an executable that generates Java (source and/or class) files from a Lingo file. If your deliverable works on the test files we give you, the work will be considered completed. 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows? (depending on the nature? of the deliverables): a)? For web sites or? other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software? installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform The program should run on Mac OS X (any combination of common UNIX tools is fine). Windows is an acceptable alternative, if there's a compelling reason to use it instead.