Compiling a Tiny Functional Language to LLVM: A Simple Calculator Example

2025-09-23

This article details the process of compiling a small functional language to LLVM. Starting with a basic calculator language, the author progressively builds a lexer, parser, and LLVM code generator. The article thoroughly explains each step, including parsing with the megaparsec library, generating LLVM IR code using llvm-hs-pure and llvm-hs-pretty, and finally compiling and running the result. Through this example, readers can learn how to translate functional language features (such as pattern matching) into LLVM IR and how to use LLVM for code generation and compilation.

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Development Functional Language