> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/software_engineering/languages/lua.md).

# Lua

## Basic idea

Small, fast, embeddable scripting language (PUC-Rio, 1993). Single core data structure (the table) doubles as record, array, hash, namespace, object, and module — radical simplicity.

## Key facts

* Year / origin: 1993, PUC-Rio (Brazil).
* Paradigm: imperative + functional + prototype-OO via tables and metatables.
* Typing: dynamic, weak-ish.
* Implementations: reference VM is tiny (\~280 KB); LuaJIT is among the fastest dynamic-language JITs.
* Used as embedded scripting layer (Redis, Nginx, World of Warcraft, Roblox).