z-libs/Zen-C
FreeWrite like a high-level language, run like C.
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About z-libs/Zen-C
Zen C is a modern systems programming language that compiles to human-readable GNU C / C11. It provides a rich feature set including type inference, pattern matching, generics, traits, async/await, and manual memory management with RAII capabilities, all while maintaining 100% C ABI compatibility. The language aims to offer high-level ergonomics with zero runtime overhead, making it suitable for performance-critical applications. It includes a CLI compiler (zc), a standard library, and tooling such as an LSP server and VS Code/Vim plugins. Zen C is open source and actively developed on GitHub.
Key Features
Compiles to human-readable GNU C / C11
Type inference and pattern matching
Generics and traits
Async/await support
Manual memory management with RAII
100% C ABI compatibility
Cross-platform (Linux, macOS, Windows)
Built-in standard library
CLI compiler (zc) and LSP server
Official VS Code and Vim extensions
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Combines high-level language ergonomics with C-level performance
- Full C ABI compatibility allows easy integration with existing C code
- Rich feature set including generics, traits, and type inference
- Active community with Discord and RFC process for shaping the language
- Compiles to human-readable C, aiding debugging and interoperability
- Open source and free to use
Cons
- Relatively new and still in active development
- Smaller ecosystem compared to established languages like C++ or Rust
- Requires a C compiler (e.g., GCC or Clang) as a backend
- Documentation and learning resources are still maturing
- Limited number of third-party libraries and examples
Best For
Systems programming with high-level ergonomicsEmbedded development and game developmentPorting C projects to a safer, more expressive languageBuilding cross-platform tools and librariesEducational projects exploring modern language features
FAQ
What is Zen C?
Zen C is a modern systems programming language that compiles to human-readable C/C11, offering high-level features like type inference, generics, and async/await while maintaining C ABI compatibility.
How do I install Zen C?
You can clone the repository from GitHub and build the compiler using make or the provided batch file for Windows. Detailed instructions are in the project's README.
What platforms does Zen C support?
Zen C supports Linux, macOS, and Windows (x86_64). It also works on ARM and other architectures via GCC/Clang cross-compilation.
Is Zen C free to use?
Yes, Zen C is open source and free to use under the terms of its license (see the LICENSE file in the repository).
How can I contribute or get help?
You can join the official Discord server, participate in RFC discussions, report issues on GitHub, or contribute code, documentation, and translations.