Learning Path

Use this when you want a guided progression from zero to fluent ilo.

ilo is small. You can learn it in an afternoon. Here is the order I would read the docs in.

1. Why ilo exists

Start with the Manifesto. It explains the one metric ilo optimises for (total tokens from intent to working code) and why every design choice follows from that.

If you want a faster pitch first, the Introduction shows the same program in Python and ilo side by side.

2. Get it running

Getting Started takes you from install to a multi-function program in one page. If you need platform-specific install details, Install has every option.

3. Read real programs

Real-World Examples shows complete, working programs: HTTP + JSON, data pipelines, file processing. Skim these to build a feel for what idiomatic ilo looks like.

4. Learn the language

Once you can run a program, work through the Reference section in this order:

1. Primitives - the type sigils
2. Types & Functions - function syntax
3. Prefix Notation - operators
4. Guards & Control Flow - replaces if/else
5. Loops - foreach, ranges, while
6. Error Handling - Result, !, ?
7. Pipes - chain transforms
8. Memory Model - how data is owned

5. Reach for builtins

The Builtins section is the stdlib reference. Each page covers one concern:

• Numbers, Text, Collections
• Data & I/O, HTTP, Tools

6. When you get stuck

• Gotchas for the common traps
• Diagnostics for error codes
• ilo --explain ILO-XNNN from the CLI for any error