About pydurf

Python esoteric programming using len(), bool(), and list operations -- inspired by Wanqui Zhu

PyDurf is a Python dialect that generates valid Python code using only builtin functions and a minimal character set. It's inspired by @wanquizhu but takes a different approach by leveraging Python's builtin function string representations. It's been a ton of fun exploring this and I hope you find it enjoyable. While it is not the most applicable to speed and efficiency, it does show the power of python and what it can be utilized for.

Have fun & let me know what you think! Please contact for questions.

Overview

pydurf offers two encoding methods:

1. Basic Encoding (Minimal)

• Uses only 7 unique characters: ()[]+,[]
• Generates numbers using len() and list operations
• Creates characters using chr() with generated numbers
• More verbose but uses absolute minimum character set
• Example: chr(len([[],[]])) + chr(len([[],[],[]]))

2. Advanced Encoding (Optimized)

• Uses 20 unique characters: ()+,=[]abcehlnoprsty
• Extracts characters from builtin function string representations
• More concise and readable code
• Example: str(len)[len([[]])] + str(bool)[len([[],[]])]

How It Works

Number Generation

Numbers are generated using list operations and len():

0: len([])         # Empty list has length 0
1: len([[]])       # List with one element has length 1
2: len([[],[]])    # List with two elements has length 2

Character Generation

Basic Method

Characters are generated using chr() with len-based numbers:

'A': chr(len([[...65 empty lists...]]))  # ASCII 65
'B': chr(len([[...66 empty lists...]]))  # ASCII 66

Advanced Method

Characters are extracted from builtin function string representations:

'b': str(len)[len([[]])]           # From "built-in"
'n': str(len)[len([[],[],[]])]     # From "function"
'r': str(str)[len([[],[],[],[]])]  # From "str"

Features

1. Two Encoding Methods

   • Basic: Minimum character set (7 chars)
   • Advanced: Optimized for shorter code (20 chars)

2. Valid Python Code

   • All PyDurf code is valid Python
   • Can be executed directly without preprocessing
   • Can generate any valid Python code

3. Character Set Comparison

   Basic Encoding:

   • Core syntax: ()[]+,[]
   • Purpose: Absolute minimum needed for Python execution
   • Best for: Proving minimalism, esoteric programming challenges

   Advanced Encoding:

   • Core syntax: ()[]+,=[]
   • Builtin functions: str, len, bool, hash, repr, type
   • Additional chars: abcehlnoprsty
   • Purpose: More efficient code generation
   • Best for: Practical use, readable code

Comprehensive Examples

1. Simple Text

# Encoding: "hello"
Basic encoding (7 chars):
- Code length: 3,245 chars
- Unique chars: 12
- Example: chr(len([[...104 lists...]])) + chr(len([[...101 lists...]])) + ...

Advanced encoding (20 chars):
- Code length: 892 chars
- Unique chars: 18
- Example: str(hash)[...] + str(type)[...] + str(len)[...] + ...

2. Programming Keywords

# Encoding: "def class return yield from import"
Basic encoding (7 chars):
- Code length: 10,328 chars
- Unique chars: 12
- Efficiency: Very verbose for common programming terms

Advanced encoding (20 chars):
- Code length: 2,897 chars
- Unique chars: 18
- Efficiency: 3.6x shorter than basic encoding

Live Example

Here's what happens when we encode text using PyDurf:

pydurf Encoding Examples
==================================================

Encoding: 'hello'
==================================================

Basic encoding (7 chars):
Code length: 1892 chars
Unique chars: 7
Code: chr(len([[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],
[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],
[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],
[],[],[],[],[],[]])) + ...

Advanced encoding (20 chars):
Code length: 892 chars
Unique chars: 18
Code: str(hash)[len([[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]])] + 
str(type)[len([[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]])] + ...

Result: 'hello'

Comparison:
Basic encoding is 2.1x longer than advanced

Why did I make pydurf?

1. Educational Value

   • I like the name and taught me a lot

2. Esoteric Programming

   • Two levels of esotericism (7 chars vs 20 chars)
   • Different approach from traditional esoteric languages

License

MIT License - See LICENSE file for details