Categorical Configuration Language

Categorical Configuration Language

Configuration that reads like plain text.

CCL stores everything as readable key = value pairs. Indentation makes hierarchy. Comments and multiline values come standard.

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/= CCL is just readable key = value pairs
name = Example Site
version = 1.0.0

database =
  /= Indentation creates hierarchy
  host = localhost
  port = 5432

allowed origins =
  = https://example.com
  = https://www.example.com

Why CCL

A small language with a precise foundation. Easy to read, easy to implement.

Plain key = value syntax

No quotes, braces, or brackets. Indentation is the only structure you need, and nesting reads top to bottom.

Comments and multiline values

Unlike JSON, CCL keeps configuration human-friendly with inline notes and values that span lines.

Composable core

Everything is string key-value data. Typed accessors, formatting, and merging build on that one primitive.

Predictable by design

Category-theory-inspired composition keeps parsing, filtering, and merging consistent across every implementation.

The same config, easier to read

CCL drops the punctuation tax. Compare a small service config in CCL and JSON.

CCL

service = api
port = 8080

retries =
  count = 3
  backoff = 250ms

JSON

{
  "service": "api",
  "port": 8080,
  "retries": {
    "count": 3,
    "backoff": "250ms"
  }
}

Pick your path

• Learn CCL Write your first CCL file and understand how indentation, comments, and values work.
• Implement a parser Build a conformant CCL parser in any language, backed by a shared test suite.
• Use CCL with AI Prompts and guides that help AI assistants read, write, and generate CCL correctly.

Ready to try CCL?

Start with a five-minute walkthrough, or jump straight to the full syntax reference.

Get started Read the syntax reference