Interpreter

Implement the Interpreter design pattern for language grammar and runtime evaluation.

65|15|Updated Mar 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/microwind/ai-skills --skill interpreter
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Interpreter
Source: https://github.com/microwind/ai-skills/tree/main/design-patterns/interpreter-pattern
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/microwind/ai-skills --skill interpreter

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

The Interpreter Pattern provides a clear way to define a language's grammar and an interpreter to evaluate sentences in that language, enabling flexible, domain-specific processing.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Define a small grammar and corresponding AST nodes (Terminal and Nonterminal expressions) to represent phrases.
  • Interpret, evaluate, or execute the language constructs within a context, enabling extensible rule engines, configuration DSLs, and simple calculators.
  • Use Case: Build a mini query or calculation engine that parses expressions and returns results at runtime.

Quick Start

Parse an expression like "3 + 5 * 2" and interpret it to obtain the numeric result.

Frequently Asked Questions about Interpreter

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I implement an interpreter for a domain-specific language?

To implement an interpreter for a domain-specific language, define a grammar using Terminal and Nonterminal expressions that form an AST, then evaluate them within a context. This approach models language constructs to enable flexible runtime processing.

What is the Interpreter design pattern used for in software engineering?

The Interpreter design pattern is used to define a language's grammar and evaluate sentences within that language at runtime. It solves problems requiring extensible rule engines, configuration DSLs, and simple calculators by turning expressions into executable logic.

How do I build a rule engine that evaluates expressions at runtime?

You can build a rule engine by defining an Expression interface with Terminal and Nonterminal expressions to represent rules. The interpret method evaluates these AST nodes within a shared context to execute the configured logic dynamically.

When should I use the Interpreter pattern instead of compiling code?

You should use the Interpreter pattern instead of compiling when you need to evaluate small domain-specific languages or configuration rules dynamically. It is suited for scenarios requiring flexible runtime interpretation rather than complex compiled execution.

How do I parse and calculate expression strings like "3 + 5 * 2"?

To calculate expression strings like "3 + 5 * 2", model the mathematical grammar as Terminal and Nonterminal expressions. The interpreter parses the string into an AST and evaluates the nodes within a context to return the numeric result.

Do I need external libraries to model a custom expression parser?

No, you do not need external libraries to model a custom expression parser. The Skill demonstrates how to define the Expression interface, AST nodes, and context management natively to parse and interpret domain-specific logic independently.