> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://base-tech.gitbook.io/base/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://base-tech.gitbook.io/base/base-bigbang-language/1.-getting-started/1.2-bigbang-basics.md).

# 1.2 BigBang basics

BigBang has a syntax similar to LISP. a LISP-like syntax, which includes numerous parentheses containing symbols, phrases, values, and additional parentheses. This may appear foreign to those unfamiliar with LISP-like languages, as it differs from both natural languages and many other programming languages.

One way to conceptualize BigBang code is to imagine nested lists. The technical term for these types of expressions is 'S-expression'. Expressions do not distinguish between data and code, which makes things simpler. Here is an example of a BigBang expression. To see it in action, click the play button or copy and paste it into the REPL.