DEV-TOOLSMarch 27, 20261 min read8 views

Cherri – programming language that compiles directly to a Apple Shortcut

Cherri is a specialized programming language designed to compile directly into runnable Apple Shortcuts, making large-scale automation projects easier to manage. It offers a desktop-based development environment with features like type checking, package management, and memory optimization.

Cherri (pronounced cherry) is a Shortcuts programming language that compiles directly to a valid runnable Shortcut.

The primary goal is to make it practical to create large Shortcut projects (within the limitations of Shortcuts) and maintain them long term.

Key Features

Laptop/Desktop-based development: CLI, VSCode extension, and macOS app support.
Easy to learn: Syntax similar to other modern programming languages.
1-1 Translation: Actions are translated directly to make debugging easier.
Package manager: Built-in remote Git repo-based manager for automatic updates.
No magic variables: Uses constants instead of the confusing magic variable syntax.
Optimized: Creates small Shortcuts and reduces runtime memory usage.
Type system: Includes type checking and type inference for safer coding.
Advanced capabilities: Define functions, embed files in base64, generate VCards, and import Shortcuts from iCloud links.

Ecosystem

Cherri VSCode Extension: Professional coding environment.
Playground: Try Cherri on any platform and export signed Shortcuts.
macOS IDE: Native GUI for writing and building Shortcuts.
Documentation & Glyph Search: Comprehensive resources for developers.

Installation

You can install Cherri via Homebrew or Nix:

Homebrew:

brew tap electrikmilk/cherri
brew install electrikmilk/cherri/cherri

Nix:

nix profile install github:electrikmilk/cherri

Why Cherri?

Cherri was created to ensure the survival of Shortcuts-based programming languages. By focusing on macOS, it provides a stable environment that many iOS-based tools lack. The project, started in October 2022, is named after "Cherries," a code name for one of the final updates to the original Workflow app.

Source: Hacker News

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