Claro/docs/RC3_NOTES.md

Claro RC3 Notes

Historical note: this file is kept for release history. The current package is Claro v1.18.26; use CURRENT_STATUS.md, ROADMAP.md, and the current feature docs for up-to-date beginner guidance.

Claro RC3 is the Classroom Readiness Release.

RC3 does not try to make Claro bigger. It makes the existing beginner language easier to teach, test, and package.

New in RC3

• Version now reports Claro RC3.
• Added a lessons/ folder with a first-hour learning path.
• Added build.bat and run_tests.bat for Windows users who do not want to use PowerShell scripts.
• Updated build.ps1 for RC3.
• Improved claro check diagnostics:
  • better command typo suggestions, such as PRNT -> SAY
  • missing block messages point back to the line where the block started
  • ELSE without IF and CATCH without TRY are reported
  • TEACH parameters are understood by the checker
  • FOR loop variables and FOR EACH variables are understood by the checker
  • GET, COUNT, ASK, file/JSON commands with AS are tracked as variables
• Added more beginner example programs.
• Added tools/validate_rc3.py for release validation.

RC3 focus

RC3 is meant for learners, teachers, parents, and testers to try Claro without running into avoidable setup and beginner-error problems.

Still not final 1.0

• SDL graphics remain experimental only.
• No package manager yet.
• No IDE extension yet.
• The checker is helpful but not a complete static analyzer.