Indeed, just like the rumours about the premature death of INTERCAL have been grossly overstated. For the INTERCAL freemasons have been tirelessly working in th

Indeed, just like the rumours about the premature death of INTERCAL have been grossly overstated. For the INTERCAL freemasons have been tirelessly working in the midst of countless nights in the Lodge to complete the proposal to add support for Mayan numerals to INTERCAL. --------- Proposal for integrating Mayan numerals into INTERCAL Title: «The Mesoamerican rejuvenation of compiler language (MAYA-INTERCAL enhancement)» Objective: To intricately weave the ancient Mayan numeral system into the rich tapestry of INTERCAL, further enriching its already delightful amalgamation of Daedalian syntax and tangled operations. 1. Background and rationale As INTERCAL stands as a paragon of bleeding edge programming practices, it is only fitting that it embraces the Mayan numeral system, known for its base-20 vigesimal structure. This proposal promises to add another layer of intricate sophistication and enigmatic charm to INTERCAL, further challenging the brave souls daring enough to penetrate its nebulousness. 2. Mayan numeral representation Symbolic encoding: – Furry dot (*), representing the value of 1. – Prostrated bar (_), representing the value of 5. – Shell (O), representing zero. Example: The Mayan number for 19 (3 prostrated bars and 4 furry dots) would be represented as ___** in MAYA-INTERCAL. 3. MAYA-INTERCAL – syntax extensions New keywords: – MAYANIFY to declare a Mayan numeral. – TRANSMOGRIFY to convert between Mayan and standard INTERCAL numerals. – CALCULON for performing calculations with Mayan numerals. Syntax example: PLEASE MAYANIFY .#1 AS ___** – declares a Mayan variable. DO CALCULON .#1 WITH .#2 GIVING .#3 – performs an operational ritual with Mayan numerals. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP 4. Numeric operations Operations in MAYA-INTERCAL will follow an intentionally intricate system: – Addition involves a ritualistic dance around the base-20 system, where carrying over is not merely a matter of arithmetic, but a rite of passage. – Subtraction will be termed as the 'Reverse Ritual', involving comparable, yet not exceeding, complexities. 5. Entering Mayan numerals Mayan numerals, being sacred, can only be entered and accepted under very certain celestial conditions and divinations, otherwise the program will sacrifice itself. Syntax example: PLEASE ABSTAIN FROM READING MAYAN INTO .#1 UNLESS MERCURY IS IN RETROGRADE AND JUPITER ALIGNS WITH MARS IN VIRGO 6. Printing Mayan numerals Printing is not just a linear process; it is a multi-dimensional ceremony of revelation where the numeral eventuates in a complex Mojibake art form, respecting the vertical stacking and also adding a horizontal narrative and exquisite ASCII art. If a programmer has recently been penalised with a sacrifice, the output might be partially obscured or altered, representing the displeasure of the MAYA-INTERCAL dieties. 6. Error messages Error messages will be enigmatic, inspired by Mayan mythology and history. Example: «The gods are displeased with your sacrifice at Line 10. Consult the oracle (compiler log) for penance.» 7. Documentation: the Codex of MAYA-INTERCAL The documentation will be an epic saga, resembling ancient codices, filled with: – Detailed explanations professed to be chimeric tales. – Hieroglyphs and illustrations demonstrating concepts. 8. Community engagement: The Convocation of Coders Ventilate the proposal at the Grand Convocation, where devotees of INTERCAL foregather, preferably in thematic attire, to deliberate over the addition of these ancient numerals. 9. Implementation and compiler augmentation This involves: – Solidifying the proposal by way of embossing it into clay tablets and baking them in an oven until medium rare. – Consummating the compiler extensions to support Mayan numerals. – Ensuring that the new features introduce delightful mannerisms and whimsical behaviours.