Constructing a simple interpreter

Question

I’m starting a project where I need to implement a light-weight interpreter. The interpreter is used to execute simple scientific algorithms. The programming language that t

Answer 1

Lua was designed as an extensible interpreter for use by non-programmers. (The first users were Brazilian petroleum geologists although the user base has broadened considerably since then.) You can take Lua and easily add your scientific algorithms, visualizations, what have you. It's superbly well engineered and you can get on with the task at hand.

Of course, if what you really want is the fun of building your own, then the other advice is reasonable.