clx - Cross-platform AOT Lua compiler for native executables
Show HN: Clx – Compile Lua to Native Executables Through C++20
clx is a modern cross-platform ahead-of-time compiler that transforms Lua scripts into standalone native executables using a C++20 backend. Unlike traditional interpreters, clx eliminates bytecode overhead to deliver predictable performance, fast startup times, and aggressive optimizations via Clang, GCC, or MSVC. Ideal for developers seeking to deploy compact, high-performance Lua applications across Linux, macOS, and Windows without runtime dependencies, clx supports Lua 5.5 features while enabling native module integration through a lightweight C++ API.
clx is not trying to be the fastest Lua implementation in every workload. Its goal is to provide ahead-of-time native compilation, deployable standalone executables, predictable runtime performance, and fast startup times.
- valorzard
Does the backend output c++20?
If so, why? I’m curious what specific features you guys are using from c++20.
Have c++20 coroutines been useful at all?
- corysama
Anyone know if there’s still a community around https://github.com/snabbco/snabb ? This seems like something they would appreciate.
Besides that, first use case that comes to mind is that gamedev likes Lua but iOS does not like LuaJit in JIT mode.
- 1vuio0pswjnm7
FYI
https://github.com/samyeyo/clx/releases/download/v0.2.0/clx-...
Extracts to current directory instead of clx-linux-x86_64
- jxndbdbd
Interesting project! I have not looked to closely at the source so forgive me for asking
- Are you doing a source to source or byte code to source transformation?
- How are you beating lua performance, since the naive implementation of a dynamic language would require tons of tables with pointer chasing
- skimmed_milk
This is cool, it could be a neat way to get Love2d games on the web with wasm