The story
In algorithmics classes across French-speaking Africa and France, students learn to reason using French pseudo-code: Variable, Si, TantQue, Pour. That pseudo-code stays on the blackboard, on paper, in homework copies.
But no tool ever let them run it. To check whether an algorithm worked, students had to mentally translate it into Python or C — yet learning to reason and learning a programming language are two different things. That mental translation loses half of beginners along the way.
AlgoLab closes that gap. The pseudo-code is the program. French syntax is native, errors are explained in French, installation fits in a single binary. No barrier between the student and their algorithm.
Our philosophy
Four principles guide every technical decision in the project.
Pedagogy before complexity
Every feature added must serve learning, not impress. If it complicates without helping, it doesn't belong.
Natural French syntax
Keywords match what's taught in class. No if, no while. Just Si, TantQue, Fonction.
Clear error messages
No stack traces, no jargon. When a student makes a mistake, AlgoLab says what's wrong, where, and how to fix it.
Zero friction
One binary, it just works. No Python to install, no configuration, no dependencies. Download, run, done.
Open source, by conviction
AlgoLab is distributed under the MIT license. You can use it, modify it, and redistribute it freely — including commercially. Teachers can bring it into their classes, universities can fork it, developers can contribute.
The code is on GitHub, transparent, auditable. Issues are open, pull requests are welcome. Look for the good first issue label for an easy first step.