.zig File — Zig Source Code

Zig is a systems programming language designed as a practical alternative to C and C++, created by Andrew Kelley starting in 2015. ZIG files contain source code in a compiled, statically-typed language that aims to be optimal for systems programming while being more accessible and safer than C. Zig provides compile-time code execution (comptime) that replaces the need for macros and generics, optional safety checks that can be disabled for performance-critical code, first-class C ABI compatibility (Zig can compile C and C++ code), and a built-in allocator-aware standard library. The language has no hidden control flow, no hidden allocations, and no undefined behavior in safe mode. Zig's cross-compilation capabilities are exceptionally easy — it can target any platform from any platform, and the Zig compiler is increasingly used as a C/C++ cross-compiler even by projects not written in Zig. Notable projects using Zig include the Bun JavaScript runtime and TigerBeetle database. Zig integrates well with existing C codebases, allowing incremental adoption. The language represents a new generation of systems languages that prioritize simplicity and explicit behavior.