Lua programming language

Lua is a powerful, lightweight, and embeddable scripting language designed primarily for extending applications. It is known for its speed, small footprint, and simple yet robust table-based data structure, making it ideal for a wide range of uses, from game development to embedded systems.

Key facts

First appeared
1993
Category
technology
Problem solved
Lua was created to provide a flexible, extensible, and high-performance scripting solution for applications developed in C/C++, particularly in contexts where commercial software was expensive or restricted by import policies, and bespoke solutions required dynamic behavior without recompiling the main application.
Platforms
Windows, Web browsers (via WebAssembly), macOS, Game Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), Android, iOS, Embedded Systems, Linux

Related technologies

Notable users

  • Nginx (via OpenResty)
  • Adobe (Lightroom, Photoshop)
  • Tripwire Interactive (Killing Floor 2)
  • Smilegate RPG (Lost Ark)
  • Cisco (various network devices)
  • Roblox Corporation (Roblox Studio)
  • Blizzard Entertainment (World of Warcraft, Warcraft III)