Newcomer
You’ve heard of Sigil and want to understand what it is and why it exists.
Read in order: §A.1 What is Sigil? → §A.2 Why it Exists → §A.3 Hello Triangle → §A.4 Quick Orientation → §B.1 Syntax → §B.2 Types → §B.3 Effects → §I Examples
Est. reading time: 2–3 hours
Contributor
You want to contribute to the compiler or write Sigil programs and need the full picture.
Read in order: §A → §E.1 Design Synthesis → §B (all) → §C.1 Autodiff → §I Examples
Est. reading time: 5–8 hours
Implementor
You’re implementing a backend, dialect, or tool that works with the Sigil IR.
Read in order: §E.1 Design Synthesis → §B (all) → §C (all) → §D Engine Primitives → §F Compiler Architecture (coming in Phase 3)
Est. reading time: Full reference track
Three names, one language:
| Name | When used |
|---|---|
| Sigil | Shorthand, brand name, proper noun. “Write a Sigil program.” |
| CSSL | Formal name: Caveman Sigil Substrate Language. “The CSSL type system.” |
| CSSLv3 | Sometimes used to mean the current major version of the compiler. |
CSLv3 (no second C) is a separate notation/spec system — not a programming language, not the Sigil compiler. It is the dense formal notation used in the compiler specs. You will encounter it in spec source blocks throughout this KB.
| Section | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| §A Start Here | Language intro, first program, orientation | ✓ Complete |
| §B Language Reference | Syntax, types, effects, capabilities | ◐ Partial |
| §C Advanced Features | Autodiff, jets, staging, macros, IFC | ○ Stubs |
| §D Engine Primitives | SDF, rendering, hardware targets | ○ Stubs |
| §E Design Philosophy | Design synthesis R1–R18, invariants, soundness | ○ Stubs |
| §I Examples | Annotated programs | ◐ Partial |
Articles with ◐ have foundational content. Articles with ○ are stubs awaiting authoring.
