Functions

Functions in LaadleLang are first-class citizens declared using the kaam keyword.

Defining a Function

Use kaam, followed by the function name, arguments in parentheses, and toh.

kaam greet(name) toh
    bol "Hello " + name

greet("Alice")

The Call Stack Explained

Every time a function is called, the Virtual Machine pushes a new CallFrame. A CallFrame is an isolated environment for that function to run safely without corrupting the variables or mathematical calculations of its parent.

Returning Values

Use the wapas (return) keyword to send a value back to the caller. If a function reaches the end of its block without returning, it automatically returns meow (null).

kaam add(a, b) toh
    wapas a + b

laadle sum hai add(5, 10)
bol sum

Scope and Recursion

• Local Variables: Variables defined inside a function with laadle are strictly local to that specific CallFrame. When the function returns, all of its local variables are permanently destroyed.
• Global Variables: Functions can still automatically peek outside of their local scope to read global variables defined at the top-level.
• Recursion: Because each call generates a brand new CallFrame with fresh isolated memory, functions can safely call themselves recursively!

// Recursive factorial
kaam fact(n) toh
    agar n <= 1 toh
        wapas 1
    wapas n * fact(n - 1)

bol fact(5) // Prints 120

Note on Mutation: Global variables can be read cleanly, but if you try to assign a value to a variable globally from inside a local function without explicitly telling the single-pass compiler, it may accidentally shadow the term by declaring a local variable instead!