Language Server Protocol (LSP) Support for MeTTa Using SWI-Prolog's Implementation

[TeamSPoon]

This task involves the creation of a Language Server Protocol (LSP) implementation (inside of MeTTaLog) to ensure it works correctly inside Visual Studio Code (VSCode) by adding MeTTa-specific functionality to the existing SWI-Prolog LSP server. The goal is to enhance the development experience for MeTTa by providing advanced features like code completion, linting, and inline error detection within VSCode.

Task

1. Test LSP Integration in VSCode:

   • Set up the LSP in VSCode and ensure it integrates seamlessly with the editor.
   • Test core LSP features such as code completion, diagnostics, hover information, and document synchronization.
   • Identify and resolve any issues that arise during the integration process.

2. Extend SWI-Prolog's LSP Server with MeTTa Information:

   • Modify SWI-Prolog's existing LSP server to include support for MeTTa-specific features.
   • Implement MeTTa-related code completions, syntax highlighting, and error diagnostics.
   • Ensure that MeTTa functions, predicates, and syntax are recognized and properly handled by the LSP.

3. Validate MeTTa-Specific LSP Features:

   • Test the added MeTTa functionality within VSCode to ensure it behaves as expected.
   • Validate that the LSP provides accurate suggestions, error detection, and useful hover information for MeTTa code.
   • Ensure that MeTTa and SWI-Prolog features work together seamlessly within the same LSP instance.

4. Document LSP Setup and Usage for MeTTa in VSCode:

   • Update the documentation to include instructions on setting up the LSP in VSCode for MeTTa development.
   • Provide examples and troubleshooting tips for common issues related to LSP integration.
   • Include information on how to contribute further enhancements to the LSP server.

[TeamSPoon]

Description

This issue outlines the integration of Language Server Protocol (LSP) support for MeTTa by leveraging the existing SWI-Prolog LSP framework. Our goal is to enhance the development experience in IDEs like VSCode by introducing tailored autocompletion and documentation features specific to MeTTa.

Leverage Existing SWI-Prolog LSP:

• Review SWI-Prolog's LSP Implementation: Understand the existing LSP functionalities related to syntax parsing, autocompletion suggestions, and documentation retrieval.
• Code Interaction Analysis: Identify how the current LSP interacts with Prolog source files and parses the code to provide insights into necessary modifications for MeTTa support.

Integrate MeTTa Specifics:

• Adapt Server for MeTTa: Modify the LSP to include information from metta_ontology.pfg.pl, allowing it to offer MeTTa-specific syntax and help documentation.
• Syntax and Semantics Adjustments: Accommodate MeTTa's extensions or modifications to Prolog by adjusting the parsing and suggestion mechanisms of the LSP.

Customization Options:

• Feature Hiding: Implement options to selectively hide or de-emphasize standard Prolog syntax, focusing on MeTTa constructs.
• MeTTa-Specific Formatting: Add a feature to format outputs or suggestions in MeTTa's with-output-to! syntax, enhancing the native coding experience for developers.

Testing and Iteration:

• Development Environment Setup: Establish a testing environment to evaluate the LSP integration using MeTTa project samples.
• Feedback Integration: Collect and incorporate feedback from early users to refine the LSP features, ensuring alignment with MeTTa development workflows.

Documentation and Support:

• Documentation Update: Revise MeTTa and SWI-Prolog documentation to include guides on using the new LSP features.
• Setup Instructions: Provide clear, step-by-step instructions for developers on how to configure and use the LSP with MeTTa in their IDEs.

By enhancing the LSP support for MeTTa, we aim to improve the productivity and overall experience of developers working within the MeTTa ecosystem. Feedback and contributions to this initiative are welcome to ensure we meet the community's needs effectively.