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Syntax Guide

AlphaPIL uses a custom scripting syntax inspired by common bot commands and functional programming.

Function Syntax

All functions start with a $ followed by the function name and arguments enclosed in [], separated by ;.

$functionName[arg1;arg2;arg3]

Key Principles

  1. Top-Down Execution: Templates are processed line by line.
  2. Case Sensitivity: Function names are case-sensitive (e.g., $drawRect vs $drawrect).
  3. Variables: Use {variable_name} to inject values into arguments.
  4. Colors: Supports hex codes (#ffffff), RGB/RGBA, and common color names (white, red, etc.).

Function Nesting

One of the most powerful features of AlphaPIL is nesting. Since functions return string values, you can use one function as an argument for another.

How it works

The interpreter resolves functions from the inside-out.

Example: 

$drawRect[10;10;$math[100 + 50];$random[20;80];red]
In this case: 1. $math[100 + 50] is resolved to 150. 2. $random[20;80] is resolved to a random number (e.g., 42). 3. Finally, $drawRect[10;10;150;42;red] is executed.

Composable Functions

Functions that are commonly used inside others include: * Math & Logic: $math, $if, $random * Text Utilities: $toUpper, $toLower, $substring, $length * Color Utilities: $getHex

Advanced Positioning

Anchors (Pivot Points)

Most drawing functions support an anchor parameter. This defines which part of the object "sits" on the coordinates you provided.

Anchor Description
lt Left-Top (Default for most)
ct Center-Top
rt Right-Top
lm Left-Middle
mm Middle-Middle (Center)
rm Right-Middle
lb Left-Bottom
cb Center-Bottom
rb Right-Bottom

Example: 

# Draws a 100x100 square centered exactly at 500,500
$drawRect[500;500;100;100;red;anchor=mm]

Coordinate Grouping

Groups allow you to define a set of elements relative to a starting point. If you move the group, all elements inside move with it.

$startGroup[100;100]
  $drawRect[0;0;50;50;blue]  # Drawn at 100,100
  $drawCircle[25;25;10;white] # Drawn at 125,125
$endGroup

Variable Management

Setting Variables

You can set internal template variables using $setVar.

$setVar[myColor;#ff5500]
$createCanvas[100;100;{myColor}]

Dynamic Injection

When using the Python API, you can pass a dictionary of variables:

# Async context
await engine.render(template, data={"username": "John"})

In the template: 

$drawText[10;10;Hello {username}!;white;12]

Mathematical Expressions

Use the $math function to perform calculations.

$setVar[centerX;$math[800 / 2]]
$setVar[centerY;$math[600 / 2]]
$drawCircle[{centerX};{centerY};50;blue]

Logic & Control Flow

If Statements

The $if function allows for conditional rendering.

$if[{xp} > 1000;$drawText[10;10;Pro User;gold;16];$drawText[10;10;Newbie;white;16]]

Syntax: $if[condition;true_branch;false_branch]