CLN Wiki · Reference for #spec
CLN Spec FORMAL
SUMMARY
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=CLN Spec — formal rules for
Cognitive Ladder Notation
.Defines syntax, semantics, and parsing
.01 · Syntax
→Line = Indent + Operator + Content
.02
· Semantics
→Indentation implies hierarchy
.03
· Parsing
.Linear scan, stack-based nesting
The rules of the ladder. Double-click any CLN line to anchor
it. Right-click to tagmarry or record a decision.
01//
Definition
Term
// ##CS-DEF
=CLN Spec
— the normative definition of the Cognitive Ladder
Notation format
.Ensures interoperability between tools and
human readers
.Designed for High Density
Knowledge
02//
Syntax
Logic
// ##CS-SYN
→Line Structure
.Line ::= Indent Operator Content
.Indent ::= 0 or
more groups of 4 spaces (or 1 tab)
.Operator ::= one of
{= . → ~ ! ? * + -}
.Content ::= UTF-8
text (trimmed)
→Valid Operators (9 total)
-Semantic: = (Def),
. (Prop), → (Impl)
-Context: ~
(Approx), ! (Alert), ? (Ques)
-List/Set: * (Ex),
+ (Plus), - (Minus)
03//
Semantics
Analysis
// ##CS-SEM
.Hierarchy (The Ladder)
→Indentation level N
is a child of the nearest line at level N-1
.Level 0 lines are roots (independent
statements)
.Operator Meaning
=Asserts identity (A is B)
.Asserts property (A has attribute B)
→Asserts causality/implication (A leads to
B)
Level 0 (Root)
│└── Level 1 (Child)
└── Level 2 (Grandchild)
04//
Parsing
Implication
// ##CS-PARSE
→Algorithm
.1. Read line
.2. Count leading spaces (divide by 4 for
level)
.3. Extract first non-space char as
Operator
.4. Remainder is Content
~Complexity
+O(N) linear scan (N = number of lines)
+Minimal state (only previous indentation
stack needed)