Metaprogramming in Elixir with the Abstract Syntax Tree

Elixir macros allow you to write code that writes code, but to harness this power safely, you must understand what happens under the hood. This course demystifies the Abstract Syntax Tree (AST), the core representation of Elixir code, giving you the foundation needed to write predictable and clean metaprogramming structures. You will transition from writing standard functional code to manipulating code structure directly, ensuring you can extend the language with confidence. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational structure and three-element tuple representation of the Elixir AST - Practice parsing and quoting Elixir expressions to inspect their internal representations - Apply pattern matching to AST nodes to extract and manipulate code segments - Build hygiene-aware macros that safely inject code without polluting local scopes - Configure custom compiler diagnostics and compile-time checks using AST analysis - Master modern Elixir code-formatting and syntax tree practices for maintainable metaprogramming This text-based course guides you step-by-step from core compiler concepts and AST definitions to practical macro design patterns. You will read clear explanations, analyze code representations, and work through conceptual exercises that build your confidence. Designed for Elixir developers who are new to metaprogramming, this course requires familiarity with basic functional programming concepts but no prior macro experience. Ready to unlock the full potential of Elixir metaprogramming? Dive into the text and start building.