> a "simple" language like SQL, Markdown If you're happy to consider Markdown a language (which it is, just not a programming language), you could also conside

> a "simple" language like SQL, Markdown If you're happy to consider Markdown a language (which it is, just not a programming language), you could also consider a (subset of) XML parser, or JSON parser. It's a nice place to start, because it's very small scope, a subset of PL (parsing), and the completed thing is actually usable and useful. Plus, it gets you a step on the path to a programming language - arguably, the fundamental step. I recommend a recursive descent parser, and this dragon compiler book (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principles_of_Compiler_Design https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principles_of_Compiler_Desig... Your local uni library has it.). An early chapter gives a complete calculator (arithmetic parser), in very simple and clear C code. NB the most recent dragon book uses horrific over-complex architecture-astronaut, design-patterns OO java code. OOP has its place, but not like this. Not like this.