Learn Raven

There is one recommended path into Raven. It begins with a small program, continues through the language's main ideas, and introduces the source-built toolchain only when you are ready to execute code.

Start here

  1. Read Raven in 60 seconds for one complete small program and the ideas that matter most.
  2. Continue with the language introduction for functions, data modeling, patterns, failure handling, objects, and .NET interop.
  3. Follow Install and run Raven when you want to build the compiler, run a file, and create a project.

Afterward, the language feature guides provide short, focused explanations, while the domain-modeling guide shows how to choose among functions, records, unions, classes, and interfaces in larger programs. Use the language reference when you want a complete account of a feature or need to check a precise rule.

Guides for your background

  • New to programming: Raven for absolute beginners introduces values, types, decisions, loops, functions, collections, and domain types without assuming another language.
  • Coming from C# or .NET: Raven for C# developers translates familiar .NET shapes into Raven while retaining direct use of .NET types and libraries.

Both are companion guides. If neither describes you, follow the default path; the language introduction explains Raven on its own terms.

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