Ask HN: Help me choose the best syntax for a new language

Hi HN friends,

I have a hard time deciding between the following options for variable scope syntax. The language is supposed to be very easy to learn.

A) Local variables start with `@`.

Pros: Easy to identify global and local variables. You have easy access to global variables inside a scope.

Cons: Users have to learn variable scope from the start.

Example:

  <set var="x">3</set>
  <scope>
    <set var="@x">4</set>
    Local x is <put>@x</put>.
  </scope>
  Global x is <put>x</put>.

Result:

  Local x is 4.
  Global x is 3.

B) Local variables silently overshadow existing global variables.

Pros: Easier to learn (no more `@` in the syntax).

Cons: You loose access to the global `x` -- the only way to access a global variable is to make sure it has a unique name.

Example:

  <set var="x">3</set>
  <scope>
    <set var="x">4</set>
    Local x is <put>x</put>
  </scope>
  Global x is <put>x</put>

Result:

  Local x is 4.
  Global x is 3.

C) Reversed system: use `@` for global. I personally don't like this because there would be too many `@`.

D) ... Any other suggestions?

Thanks :)