GOLD ( Graph Oriented Language) is a general purpose programming language with mathematical notations and a pseudocode-like syntax for defining and manipulating graphs and other high-level data structures such as sets, trees, and automata. Its syntax was inspired by the one used in classic algorithms textbooks. It allows set comprehensions, quantified expressions, and new control instructions. Its syntax also supports the use of Java defined classes. GOLD programs are translated into Java. Therefore, functions, procedures, and objects defined in GOLD can be used by Java programs. Besides defining GOLD’s syntax and semantics, we also developed a whole new programming environment for programming and testing algorithms for advanced data structures. All GOLD components were packed into an Eclipse plug-in coded in Java under the XText framework. The design and implementation of GOLD can be seen as a case study in language development.