Simple and Readable Code
Jik is statically typed, but keeps common programs concise with type inference, optional annotations, and straightforward syntax.
Jik
A readable, statically typed language that compiles to C and manages memory with regions.
Region-based memory
Control lifetimes without managing every allocation
Functions can place returned data directly in a caller-selected region. Temporary strings and collections are freed together when the function returns, and compiler checks prevent references from outliving their data.
- Caller-controlled result lifetimes
- Bulk reclamation without garbage collection
- Compiler-checked references between regions
What Jik Is Built For
Practical Language Features
Vectors, dictionaries, options, variants, error handling, a standard library, and a growing package ecosystem support real programs.
Region-Based Memory
Composite values are allocated into regions that determine their lifetime, while compiler checks prevent references across regions with incompatible lifetimes.
Predictable C Output
Jik uses a source-to-C compilation model, producing predictable generated C that can be inspected, debugged, and built with existing toolchains.
Documentation
- Language overview Tour of syntax, types, modules, memory management, error handling, and other things.
- Memory management Region allocation, local regions, explicit allocation targets, and returning composite values.
- Standard library The Jik standard library reference.
- Official packages Packages for Jik, including setup instructions and import examples.
- Examples Browse complete Jik programs with syntax highlighting.
News
Published
Jik v0.1.0-beta.1 is out
This release adds jik new, jik test, program arguments for jik run, and a few memory fixes.
Status
Jik has entered beta with v0.1.0-beta.0. Development focuses on stability, new language features, and standard library growth. With development now happening in Jik and the C seed compiler frozen, adding new features is much easier. Bugs and changes are still expected during beta.
Jik is now self-hosted: its compiler is written in Jik and can build itself. Read about the first beta and self-hosting milestone.
Join the Jik community
Ask questions, share projects, and discuss the language with other Jik users.